Germinating Everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium)
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Lisa Birtch
Posted on: June 11, 2005

I have some of the above seeds waiting to go into my garden and am having a great deal of difficulty finding any info on propagation. Could you please help me out?

Because the seeds are tiny (16,000 seeds per gram) and relatively expensive we do not recommend sowing the seed directly in the garden. Instead, sow in seed boxes or flats filled with a well-drained sowing medium such as a sterilized peat-based seeding mix. Cover sparingly with perhaps 2-3 millimetres of sifted mix -- not more because the seeds need light for best germination. The seeds germinate in 3-4 days and the typical germination rate is 30-50%.

Transplant seedlings into pots, plugs or flats when seedlings have 4-8 leaves. Expose plants to full sun or partial sun, and take care to avoid drying out. Once plants are well-established with a root system that fills the pot or plug cell, they are ready to transplant to the garden.

Everlasting is a perennial hardy to zone 5. It prefers sandy, well-drained loam in full sun. It will tolerate poor, dry conditions. It is middle-of-the-road as far as soil pH goes, preferring neutral or slightly acidic pH 6-7.

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