Isopogon dubius seeds – ( Pincushion Coneflower, Rose coneflower)

Description

Isopogon dubius is a native australian flower which grows into a small shrub about a metre high. It has deep pink flowers in clusters which look a little like  pincushions being a bit spiky looking. The plant is  spectacular when in full flower, and the bees and butterflies love it.  It likes full sun  and dry summers, with very well drained soil. It can tolerate a little shade and also light frosts. The flowers are excellent cut, making a long lasting cut flower.

Note :  10 Seeds in a packet

These seeds germinate best with smoke treatment. Here are a couple of choices:

Method 1: buy a ready made smoke solution such as

• Biogrow seed soak

Method 2: A cheap option and one which has worked well for us  is to use a covered object such as a kettle barbecue or  large tin can with lid or similar which can contain the fire. Buy some vermiculite from your garden centre.

• In  the  BBQ or tin can object, put  the material you will use for generating smoke , such as dryish grass or wood chips or dryish leaves, in the base of the container.
• Light the material, and allow it to smoulder.
• Place the vermiculite in an open  container , and put this container into the  barbecue , tin etc, on a  rack above the base fire. Put the lid on the barbecue ,tin etc
• You may need to replenish the fire material a few times if it stops smouldering
• Leave the vermiculite inside  the covered BBQ /tin /etc for  about 30 mins
• Remove the vermiculite, and store in a sealed container

Follow the makers directions for Method 1.

For method 2 mix a small amount of the smoked vermiculite into the seed raising mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the  seed raising mix , in spring or autumn when the temperatures are at  the ideal temp range  of about 15-22 deg C. .Sprinkle the seed lightly with some smoked vermiculite. Do not let the mix completely dry out, but don’t waterlog them . Place in a warm shady position.Germination should occur within a month, but can take longer, and germination may be erratic .  Should this occur, set the seed pot aside somewhere and don’t discard as they often germinate when conditions suit them.

We can sometimes supply a very small  amount of smoked vermiculite with your seeds if you ask us