Libertia grandiflora

Germination

Sow Oct-Feb. in a cold frame. Sow indoors Mar-Sep. In a cold frame, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 10°C. Allow autumn warmth followed by winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Keep moist at all times. Germination takes 30-180 days approx. Indoors, sow seed then cold stratify at 4°C for 2-3 weeks then remove to warmth for germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, humus-rich soil which is moist but well-drained in full sun. Prefers a warm spot. Offer a dry mulch for protection against winter cold. May suffer foliage and stem damage in harsh winters.

Cultivation

Cut back old foliage to reveal new growth. Divide congested plants in spring or autumn. Spent flower spikes may be cut down or left to dry on the plant as the seedheads are decorative. If seedheads are left the plant will self-seed.