Billardiera longiflora seeds – (Tasmanian Purple Apple Berry)

Description

This Australian native is a small twining woody  and wiry stemmed evergreen vine to about max 10m   which grows in the forest under-storey in Tasmania . It has small chartreuse white coloured flowers which are scented, but its main attaction is  the attractive shiny purple-blue  edible berries which are borne on the plant.   The plant likes a cool sheltered position in semi shade and humus rich moist soil .

Sowing advice

Sow in Spring or autumn . Ideal temp 18-24 deg C.  Sow on the surface of the soil and cover lightly with mix,  dont cover too deeply. Keep moist.  The germination rate of these seeds is better when a small amount of smoke treated granules  or smoke treated paper is applied. Germination should occur in 21-42 days, but can be erratic so dont discard the seed tray too soon even though there is no growth apparent.