Weeping Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus calostachyus) 100 Seeds
 
Add a touch of unique, feathery beauty to your garden with these 100 Weeping Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus calostachyus) seeds! This striking native plant is celebrated for its distinctive, elongated, fluffy flower spikes that emerge in shades of pink, purple, or white, gracefully arching and 'weeping' as they mature. Perfect for adding texture to garden beds, rockeries, or containers, this hardy and eye-catching plant thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions.
 
 
Growing Instructions for Weeping Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus calostachyus) from Seed
 
Weeping 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. You can 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 0.2-0.5 cm (0.1-0.2 inches) 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 (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 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) tall, carefully transplant them into larger individual pots. Be gentle with the roots.
 
Sunlight: Weeping 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, Weeping 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 spikes or to maintain shape.
 
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 a unique and beautiful Weeping Mulla Mulla, adding a distinctive texture to your garden! 💜🌿