Pink Pokers Grevillea (Grevillea petrophiloides) 5 seeds
 
Ignite your garden with the vibrant and unique beauty of Pink Pokers Grevillea (Grevillea petrophiloides)! You will receive 5 fresh seeds of this striking native plant, renowned for its upright, bottlebrush-like flower spikes in brilliant shades of pink. A magnet for nectar-feeding birds, this Grevillea offers a spectacular vertical accent and a burst of colour, making it a fantastic addition to garden beds, rockeries, or as a feature shrub.
 
 
Growing Instructions for Pink Pokers Grevillea (Grevillea petrophiloides) from Seed
 
Pink Pokers Grevillea is a rewarding plant to grow from seed, particularly well-suited to warm, well-drained environments. Patience and attention to detail will ensure success.
 
 
Seed Preparation
 
Grevillea seeds often benefit from a technique called scarification and/or smoke treatment 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 Highly 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 extremely 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. Deeper pots like forestry tubes can be beneficial for developing root systems.
 
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: Pink Pokers 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 exceptionally well-draining soil. Grevilleas prefer sandy, gravely, or rocky 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 Pink Pokers Grevillea, attracting beautiful native birds to your garden! 🌸🐦