How Long Does Seed Paper Take to Grow?
These A7 custom printed Chamomile seed paper thank you cards were planted back on July 7th. That's the middle of winter in Melbourne, so I left this pot in full sun and made sure I watered each morning to keep the seed paper moist.
The first little seedlings started sprouting 8 days later on July 15th, so I made sure I kept the daily watering and more and more seedlings sprung to life.
Sprouting is just the beginning
There’s a difference between seeds sprouting and plants reaching their full size.
Germination is when a seed begins to grow and its first little shoots appear above the soil. After that, the seedlings need time to develop roots, leaves and, for flowering varieties, eventually blooms.
The first Chamomile flower appeared 14 weeks later at the end of September. Today (November 7th) there is an abundance of flowers and more still to come!
What affects how quickly seed paper grows?
Seed paper needs the same essentials as other seeds: moisture, sunlight and a suitable temperature.
The type of seed makes a difference. Some varieties sprout quickly, while others naturally take their time. That's why we use Swan River Daisy, Chamomile, Alyssum, Oregano and Thyme they all sprout quickly! Our Garden Flower Mix is a great year round blend of Swan River Daisy, Ageratum, Alyssum and Chamomile which means no water climate or time of year at least 2 of these seeds will thrive!
Temperature matters too. Cool conditions can slow germination, while very hot weather can dry out the paper and soil before the seeds have a chance to establish.
Moisture is especially important in the early stages. Once the seeds begin absorbing water, letting the paper dry out can interrupt germination. Aim for consistently damp soil, rather than soggy or waterlogged conditions. Don't let the paper dry out!
How to plant seed paper
Follow the instructions included with your seed paper first. As a general guide:
- Soak the seed paper so it is wet all the way through.
- Place it on seed-raising mix in a pot or the ground.
- Cover with a a light layer (3mm) more of mix. Avoid burying it deeply.
- Water gently so the paper and surrounding mix are damp.
- Water daily especially for the first month will the seeds germinate and establish roots
