How to Grow Everlastings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Growing Everlastings is a rewarding experience, and with the right approach, you can ensure a beautiful bloom. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1 – Site Selection
Everlastings will thrive in most conditions, but for optimal growth, make sure your seeds have these two essential seedbed conditions:
- Reasonably well-drained soil: Avoid constantly water-logged areas.
- Access to sunlight: Ensure the area receives sunlight for at least part of the day.
Everlastings are hardy plants that can tolerate extreme cold, frost, moderate waterlogging, heat, coastal, tropical, and low sunlight conditions. With proper irrigation, they can be planted year-round.
Step 2 – Weed Control
Controlling weeds is crucial for optimal germination and production. You can manage weeds in two ways:
- Manually: Physically remove the weeds.
- Chemically: Use a knockdown herbicide such as glyphosate before planting the everlasting seeds.
After germination, a grass-selective herbicide can be lightly sprayed to control grass weeds. It’s worth delaying the planting of everlasting seeds until weeds are under control.
Step 3 – Fertilising
Everlastings thrive with a good all-purpose fertiliser. If your soil lacks certain nutrients, consider applying trace elements. However, Everlastings can remain productive even in limiting conditions without any fertiliser.
Step 4 – Seed Application
When applying seeds to the seedbed:
- Leave the seeds on the surface or lightly cover them with soil using a rake.
- Press the seeds into the soil (by rolling or trampling) to ensure good seed-soil contact. The sowing depth should be no greater than 5mm.
- Sow seeds at a rate of 1 gram per 1 square meter. Therefore, 10 grams will cover a 10 square meter area.
Everlastings can be planted all year if irrigated properly.
Step 5 – Pest Control
Protect your seedlings from pests after planting by:
- Using a knockdown pest management chemical.
- Using residual control to provide extended protection after planting.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to growing beautiful Everlastings in your garden. Happy planting!
