Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla ~ Pom Pom (Ptilotus manglesii) Seeds - Native Selection
 
~ 5 seeds in each pack ~
 
Add a burst of delicate, vibrant colour to your garden with these Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus manglesii) seeds!  This enchanting native plant is cherished for its charming, globe-shaped flower heads, which resemble fluffy pom-poms tipped with beautiful shades of rose or pink.  Perfect for adding a whimsical touch to garden beds, rockeries, or containers, this hardy and eye-catching annual or short-lived perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions.
 
 
Growing Instructions for Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus manglesii) from seed
 
Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla is an excellent plant to grow from seed, particularly well-suited to warm, sun-drenched environments with excellent drainage.
 
 
Seed Preparation
 
Ptilotus seeds often have a hard outer coat that can inhibit germination.  Light scarification or a smoke treatment can improve germination rates.
 
Scarification (Optional but Recommended): Gently abrade the hard seed coat.  Do this by rubbing the seeds lightly between two pieces of fine sandpaper, or by carefully nicking the seed coat with a small file or sharp knife (away from the embryo).  The goal is to create a small opening for water to penetrate.
 
Smoke Treatment (Optional but Recommended): Many native seeds, including Ptilotus, respond well to smoke.
 
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, or in early autumn in frost-free, warm climates.
 
Potting Mix: Use a very well-draining native seed-raising mix.  A mix of coarse sand and a low-nutrient, peat-free potting mix (or coco coir) works well.  Good drainage is paramount.
 
Containers: Use seed trays or individual pots with excellent drainage holes.
 
Sowing: Sow seeds shallowly, about 2 - 5 mm deep.  Lightly cover with a very thin layer of your potting mix or coarse sand.
 
Watering: Water gently after sowing to moisten the mix.  Keep the mix consistently moist but not 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.  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 5-10 cm tall, carefully transplant them into larger individual pots.  Be gentle with the roots.
 
Sunlight: Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla thrives in full sun conditions.
 
Soil (in-ground): When ready to plant out into the garden, choose a site with exceptionally well-draining soil.  This plant is highly intolerant of heavy, waterlogged conditions. Sandy, gravelly, or even rocky soils are ideal.  Like many natives, it is sensitive to high levels of phosphorus, so avoid general-purpose fertilizers.
 
Watering: Once established, Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplementary watering. Overwatering will quickly lead to rot.  Water deeply but very infrequently, only when the soil is completely dry.
 
Fertilizing: Generally, this plant does not require fertilizing in good soil.  If your soil is very poor, use a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer, and only sparingly.
 
Pruning: Minimal pruning is usually required, mainly to remove spent flower heads to encourage more blooms and a tidier appearance.
 
Protection from Frost: While tolerant of light frost once established, young plants may need protection during unseasonably cold snaps in cooler areas.
 
With these steps, you'll be on your way to cultivating unique and beautiful Rose Tipped Mulla Mulla plants, adding delightful pom-pom flowers to your garden! 🌸🌿