XERANTHEMUM annuum Double Mix 25g

Xeranthemum is a hardy annual, one of the prettiest of everlasting flowers.
The attractive double crested paper-like blooms four distinct colours of white, rose, crimson and purple with strong stems of silver-green foliage and a papery feel. They are excellent for cutting, and if dried are useful for winter decoration.
Begins to bloom in early summer, they have a branching habit and are free-flowering right through to autumn.
Prefers a fertile moist soil but is adaptable to most good garden soils.

Native to eastern Europe and western Asia.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The best time of year for this species is Autumn, as the weather cools. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.

If sowing directly into the ground sow on the surface and rake very lightly, it is not critical to cover all the seed. Seed should germinate 7-14 days with sufficient moisture.

If sowing in containers:

1. Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed, it is not critical to cover all the seed. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 7-14 days in the right conditions

General note: Seeds of many species are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.