Growing Guide
CRASPEDIA (BILLY BUTTONS)
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.