Orange Flame Grevillea (Grevillea excelsior) Aussie Native Tree Seeds
 
 
Ignite your garden with the vibrant beauty of the Orange Flame Grevillea (Grevillea excelsior)! You will receive 5 seeds of this spectacular native plant, renowned for its striking, fiery orange-red flower spikes that attract a myriad of nectar-feeding birds. A truly eye-catching addition to any landscape.
 
Growing Instructions for Orange Flame Grevillea (Grevillea excelsior) from Seed
 
Orange Flame Grevillea is a robust and rewarding plant to grow from seed, particularly well-suited to warm, sun-drenched environments.
 
Seed Preparation
 
Grevillea seeds often benefit from a technique called scarification to break their dormancy.
Scarification: Gently abrade the hard seed coat. You can do this by rubbing the seeds lightly between two pieces of sandpaper, or by carefully nicking the seed coat with a small file or a sharp knife (away from the embryo, usually on the rounded edge). The goal is to create a small opening for water to penetrate.
Smoke Treatment (Optional but Recommended): Many native seeds, including Grevilleas, have evolved to germinate after bushfires. A smoke treatment can significantly improve germination rates.
You can purchase commercial smoke water or smoke primer discs. Follow the product instructions for application. Typically, seeds are soaked in diluted smoke water for 12-24 hours before sowing.
 
Sowing the Seeds
 
Timing: Sow seeds in spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm and the risk of frost has passed.
Potting Mix: Use a very well-draining native seed-raising mix or a mix specifically formulated for Proteaceae. Avoid mixes high in phosphorus, as Grevilleas are sensitive to it. A good mix would be equal parts coarse sand and a high-quality peat-free potting mix.
Containers: Use seed trays or individual pots with excellent drainage holes.
Sowing: Sow seeds shallowly, about 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) deep. Lightly cover with a thin layer of your potting mix or coarse sand.
Watering: Water gently after sowing to moisten the mix. Keep the mix consistently moist but never waterlogged during the germination period. A fine misting sprayer works well.
Warmth and Light: Place pots in a warm, sunny location. Optimal germination temperatures are usually between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Bottom heat from a propagation mat can be beneficial.
 
Germination and Initial Growth
 
Germination Time: Germination can be variable and may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Be patient!
Airflow: Good air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal issues like "damping off" in young seedlings.
Watering Seedlings: Continue to keep the soil lightly moist. As seedlings grow, gradually allow the top surface of the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage root development.
 
Transplanting and Ongoing Care
 
Transplanting: Once seedlings are robust enough, typically when they have developed several sets of true leaves and are around 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) tall, carefully transplant them into larger individual pots. Be gentle with the roots.
Sunlight: Orange Flame Grevillea thrives in full sun. Gradually acclimate your young plants to direct sunlight.
Soil (in-ground): When ready to plant out into the garden, choose a site with well-draining soil. Grevilleas prefer sandy or gravelly soils and are intolerant of heavy, waterlogged conditions. They are also highly sensitive to phosphorus, so avoid using general-purpose fertilizers and opt for specific native plant formulations if needed, or none at all in good soil.
Watering: Once established, this Grevillea is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplementary watering. Water deeply during prolonged dry periods, but ensure the soil drains quickly.
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering can help maintain a compact shape and encourage more blooms.
Protection from Frost: While relatively hardy once established, young plants may benefit from protection during unseasonably cold snaps or light frosts in cooler areas.
 
With these steps, you'll be on your way to cultivating a magnificent Orange Flame Grevillea, attracting beautiful native birds to your garden!