Growing Guide

CRASPEDIA (BILLY BUTTONS)

yellow round fruits on black metal wire

Growing Craspedia from seed:

  • Is easy!

  • Ensures that plants are cultivated under ideal conditions for optimum health and bloom quality.

  • Is cost-effective, providing an abundant supply of these striking globe flowers throughout the growing season.

  • Craspedia grown from seed often exhibit stronger stems and longer vase life, making them a durable and captivating choice for cut flower arrangements.

Quick Guide

Start Indoors:
  • Timing: 6-8 weeks before last spring frost

  • Seed Depth: Cover Seeds Lightly

  • Germination time: 10-14 days

  • Transplant out: After last frost date

Plant Specifications

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

  • Seeds

  • Seed starting trays or pots

  • Seed starting mix (sterile)

  • Labels and a marker

  • Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

  • Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

  • Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

    Timing

    • When to Start: Begin the process about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

    Preparation

    • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

    • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

    Planting Seeds

    • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

    • Sow Seeds: Place 1-2 seeds in each cell.

    • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the variety and the planting date.

    Germination

    • Cover Seeds: Cover lightly then add a thin layer of fine vermiculite to prevent algae growth on soil surface.

    • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

    • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

    • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

    Light and Watering

    • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 10-14 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

    • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

    Take Care of Seedlings

    • Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot.

    • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

    Transplanting Outdoors

    • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

    • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

    • Planting: Plant seedlings 9-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

    • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.

Craspedia seeds