Growing Resource: Starting our Seeds
A guide to help you start our seeds.
Dahlia
To ensure the highest rate of germination I like to pre-sprout seeds using the paper towel method CLICK HERE to read my tutorial on how I do this. Dahlia seedlings can be pinched and I encourage you to do so if you’re going for a garden display of mixed blooms. On our farm however, we grow to select new varieties which means I won’t pinch as all I’m needing to see is the first couple of blooms to decide whether I’ll continue growing or immediately cull.
Zinnia
Start your seeds in trays 4-6 weeks before your last hard frost, you can also stagger plantings throughout spring and summer. All varieties can have their growing tip pinched for more stems of blooms at approx. 15-20cm tall.
Celosia
Start your seeds in trays 4-6 weeks before your last hard frost, you can also stagger plantings throughout spring and summer. All varieties except Bombay celosia can have their growing tip pinched at approx. 15cm tall.
Amaranthus
Usually quite easy to grow. Direct seed or start in seed trays from early spring through to summer. Pinch your plants at approx. 20cm tall.
Winged Everlasting
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in autumn, in seed trays. In areas with heavy frosts, can be sowed in early spring. Cover seed lightly. Can be direct seeded.
Cress
Usually quite easy to grow. Direct seed from early autumn to spring, staggering plantings every 2 weeks for an extended harvest.
Calendula
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in early autumn, in seed trays or direct. In areas with heavy frosts, can be sowed in early spring.
Mignonette
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in autumn, in seed trays. In areas with heavy frosts, can be sowed in early spring. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for a continual harvest.
Phlox
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in early autumn and throughout winter + spring, in seed trays. Cover seed, as darkness is required for germination. Carefully Transplant out when new leaves appear. In areas with heavy frosts, can be sowed in early spring.
Chocolate Lace
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in autumn and throughout winter + spring, in either trays or direct. In areas with heavy frosts, can be sowed in early spring.
Sweet Peas
In most areas of Australia seeds can be sown in Autumn, in deep trays, pinch before planting out. Once growing keep them watered, they respond well to foliar fertiliser. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Bunny Tails
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in early autumn, in seed trays. Pinching not required.
Chinese Forget-me-not
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in autumn, in seed trays. Pinching not required.
Queen Anne’s Lace
In most parts of Australia, seeds can be sowed in early autumn and throughout winter + spring, in either trays or direct.
Larkspur
I like to pop my seeds in the freezer for a week (cold stratification) to help with germination. Larkspur likes darkness to germinate so cove your trays with something to keep the cells dark. Sow and plant out in autumn for spring blooms.
Strawflower
Sow in Autumn and spring. Sowing in trays or direct both bring good results. I pinch my plants once they start sending up a central stem.
Stock
Sow seeds in Autumn for spring blooms. Do not pinch as plants only produce one bloom each.
Statice
Sow seeds in autumn for spring blooms, in cooler areas they can be sowed in spring as well. Don’t pinch as the spikes they send up are flowering stems.