Xeranthemum – Lumina Double Mixed

Sowing Instructions –

Indoors – Sow into individual pots or trays of seed compost. Use well drained soil and cover lightly. Keep the compost moist. Germination will take place in 7 to 14 days. Prick out to individual pots, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays.
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out in growing position after the last expected frosts. Space 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.

Outdoors – Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth. If sowing more than one annual in the same bed, mark the sowing areas with a ring of sand and label. Add a complete fertiliser.
Sow 5mm (¼ in) deep in rows 7cm (3in) apart. Sow sparingly or they will choke out other seedlings. Keep soil moist during germination.
The seedlings will appear in rows approx 3 to 4 weeks after planting and can be easily told from nearby weed seedlings. Thin the seedlings out as necessary so they are finally 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart. Carefully replant thinned plants.

Hints and Tips – Feed with a fertiliser low in phosphorus. Water regularly. Do not allow the soil to become bone dry, or the plant will die. A moist soil is better, but it needs good drainage, established plants can take some drought. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming

Dried Flowers: – The Double Mix Immortelle is essential for dried flowers bouquets and wreaths. Cut when the buds begin to open. Hang them by the stem in a shady dry area for a couple of weeks before being used. If they are left to dry on the plant, they turn tan or light brown so need to be cut and left to dry with their heads down.

Seeds – 0.50g (appox 300)