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

Moisten a plain kitchen paper towel and squeeze out to eliminate excess moisture. Fold in 4. Into 1 fold place the seeds, and put in a kitchen plastic ziplock bag or similar together with a plastic plant tag with the day’s date. Seal the plastic bag loosely. Keep at 18-22 deg C for 2-4 weeks. Now move to -4 to +4 deg C (fridge door) for 4-6 weeks. Inspect for germination every week, and keep moist. If germination occurs carefully lift out the seed and pot up at 5 – 12 deg C, covering lightly with seed raising mix. After 6 weeks, move the remaining ungerminated seeds to 5-12 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.