Astrantia maxima seeds – (Masterwort)

Description

This plant has beautifully architectural upward facing, green-bracted, pure rose pink flowers which stand well out above the green foliage.

This astrantia is the one which everyone wants. It is long lived and has a very long flowering period, and together with its structurally beautiful flowers and plant  form it is no wonder that it is so desirable.

And …It also makes a great long lasting cut flower.

Sowing advice

Sow the seeds into moist seed raising mix, and cover lightly. Seal the pot in a plastic bag loosely. Keep at 18-22 deg C for 3 weeks. Now move to -4 to +4 deg C (fridge) for 5 weeks. Inspect for germination every week, and keep moist. If germination occurs carefully take the seed pot out of the fridge and its plastic bag  and keep at about 12 deg C. If no visible germination occurs , after 5 weeks, take the pot out of the plastic bag  and move  to 12 deg C for germination. Germination can take many months. Once germinated move to a warm place. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Grow on at 7°C. Acclimatise for 10-15 days and plant out. Can be sown into pots in late autumn and left outside over winter for spring germination.