Flannel Flower Growing Tips With Brooke Minards
Recently we asked Brooke Minards, from Waratah Farm, some questions about flannel flower. Brooke is kind enough to supply us with fresh wild flannel flower seed with smoke treated vermiculite to aid in germination.
Can you tell us a bit about Waratah Farm?
The Waratah Farm is situated on the Central Coast of NSW, where protected Flannel Flower and Waratahs thrive, but are targeted and threatened by illegal poaching for the cut flower market.
We are the only farm granted Biosecurity Conservation Licenses for both Waratah and Flannel Flowers, that enable us to grow and sell Seed, Flowers and Whole Plants.
It is a humbling honour to be legally able to add more of these iconic Native Plants and blooms to the environment.
What makes your flannel flower seeds the best quality?
Firstly, we care for our seed donor plants. It is important that we always remember that Flannel Flowers need air, water and food to send high quality, fertile seeds.
Our seeds are self-seedling hermaphrodites, which means they multiply. It is important that we only collect the finest seeds to enable high germination rates.
In our Flannel Flower packs, we include seeds that have come from elegant long stemmed plants, and also hardy plants to give you the best of both.
What are your 5 tips for growing Flannel Flowers from seed?
- Plant Fresh if possible and when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.
- Use Activated Seeds with a Smoke Treatment. Minerals that mirror ‘Bush Fire Events’ are incredibly important for high germination.
- Plant seeds into a seedling tray, using a well draining medium that is low in phosphorus. Pick out seedlings prior to the bloom of true leaves and put them in native tube pots.
- Pot them up when they are approximately 4cm tall and provide them with a kebab stick for support.
- Flannel Flower seedlings enjoy moisture, so water morning and night. As the temperature cools, water them only in the morning, but enough to keep them hydrated during the day.
Why do you think people love flannel flowers so much?
Well, they are simply beautiful. The delicate white flowers stand out in the rugged bush. The blooms are entwined with gnarled wood and rock formations. We see them as kids on bushwalks, and we never forget them.
The velvety feel of the flowers, and the blue toned foliage is so unique and looks exquisite in both native and traditional floristry.
Buy Fresh Flannel Flower Seeds Here
What are your 5 favourite flowers to grow from seed?
Flannel Flower - Actinotus helianthi
Waratah – Telopea speciosissima
Silver-leaved Mountain Gum - Eucalyptus pulvurenta
Silver Dollar - Eucalyptus cinerea
Straw Flower – Xerochrysum bracteatum
