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Zinnia elegans

Scabiosa Flowered Mix is an unusual and eye-catching Zinnia producing distinctive double blooms with raised, pincushion-like centres reminiscent of Scabiosa flowers. The mixture offers a rich range of colours from deep carmine and scarlet through soft pink, apricot and cream, with the intricate flower form adding wonderful texture to summer plantings.

Growing approximately 60–75 cm tall, the branching plants flower prolifically throughout the warmer months. The strong stems and unusual blooms make an excellent cut flower and add beautiful shape and interest to bouquets and floral arrangements. Regular picking encourages further branching and a continuous supply of flowers.

The abundant blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Fast growing and easy to grow, Zinnias thrive in warm weather and full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Good airflow around plants and watering at soil level rather than over the foliage will help keep plants healthy.

Seed count: approximately 125 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow after the danger of frost has passed, or raise in trays for an earlier start. Cover seed approximately 5 mm deep and keep warm and consistently moist during germination.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 25–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting. Regularly pick flowers or deadhead spent blooms to encourage branching and continued flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Lunaria annua

Honesty is a hardy biennial, often grown as an annual, producing fragrant white and violet flowers on upright plants reaching approximately 90 cm. An old-fashioned cottage garden favourite, it is perhaps best known for the distinctive silvery, translucent seed pods that develop after flowering.

The decorative, papery seed pods are excellent for dried floral arrangements and can remain attractive for many months. The flowers are also visited by bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Plants readily self-seed in favourable conditions, making Honesty particularly suited to informal and cottage-style gardens.

Easy to grow, Honesty performs well in full sun or partial shade and prefers average, friable, well-drained soil.

Seed count: approximately 50 seeds/g
Approximately 80 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Autumn and spring

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 30–40 cm apart. For dried arrangements, allow the seed pods to mature and dry on the plant before cutting the stems.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Hesperis matronalis

Dame's Rocket, also known as Sweet Rocket, is an old-fashioned cottage garden favourite producing loose clusters of violet, pink and white flowers on tall, graceful stems. The flowers have a sweet, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves, becoming particularly noticeable in the evening.

The abundant blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects and make lovely additions to informal cut flower arrangements. Cutting spent flower spikes can encourage further flowering and also helps prevent unwanted self-seeding.

The flowers, young leaves, tender stems and immature seed pods are edible, with a fresh, slightly peppery flavour similar to cress. Older leaves become tough and are generally not used for eating.

Hardy and adaptable, Dame's Rocket grows well in full sun or light shade and fits beautifully into cottage gardens, woodland edges and informal flower plantings.

Seed count: approximately 470 seeds/g
Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, covering the seed lightly. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 30–40 cm apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage repeat flowering or allow selected plants to set seed for natural regeneration.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Not Available for WA

Solanum lycopersicum

Mortgage Lifter Yellow is a beautiful beefsteak-type tomato producing large golden-yellow fruits with warm orange tones and a distinctive pink blush through the centre. The substantial fruits have juicy, meaty flesh and a rich, fruity flavour.

Sweet and full flavoured, the colourful fruits are excellent for fresh eating, particularly thickly sliced into sandwiches, burgers and salads. When cut open, the combination of golden flesh and rosy-pink centre makes this an especially attractive tomato for platters and fresh dishes.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set their large fruits throughout the season. Strong staking or trellising is recommended to support the vines and heavy developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines and large fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 80 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Cucurbita maxima

Big Max is a classic giant Pumpkin producing enormous, almost round fruits with red-orange skin and yellow-orange flesh. Fruits may flatten slightly where they rest on the ground and develop a somewhat rough surface as they mature, giving them the unmistakable appearance of an oversized traditional pumpkin.

Grown primarily for its impressive size, Big Max is a favourite for exhibitions, giant-pumpkin competitions and spectacular Halloween carving. Under excellent conditions fruits can reach extraordinary proportions, with specimens historically reported at more than 200 kg.

Unlike some pumpkins selected purely for exhibition size, Big Max also has useful edible flesh. The yellow-orange flesh can be roasted or used in soups and baking and is particularly suited to pies and other sweet pumpkin recipes. For the best culinary quality, smaller and moderately sized fruits are generally preferable to those pushed to extreme exhibition size.

Big Max is an old American giant-pumpkin variety that became popular with home gardeners during the 20th century. While modern competitive giants are now dominated by Atlantic Giant genetics, Big Max remains a favourite for gardeners wanting very large, colourful pumpkins without the intensive cultivation associated with record-breaking exhibition varieties.

Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita maxima includes an extraordinary range of forms, from richly flavoured culinary pumpkins to some of the largest fruits produced by any cultivated plant.

Approximately 8 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soil and allow considerable room for the vigorous vines to spread. Space plants approximately 2 m apart, with additional room beneficial when growing for exceptionally large fruit.

Maintain consistent moisture during active growth and particularly while fruits are rapidly expanding. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.

For exhibition-sized pumpkins, select one or two well-positioned young fruits and remove competing fruit so the plant can direct more energy into their development. Place a dry board, tile or thick layer of straw beneath developing pumpkins to keep them off damp soil.

Harvest once the skin has developed its mature red-orange colour and hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.

Maturity: approximately 110–120 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica napus var. pabularia

Red Russian Kale is an attractive and fast-growing leafy green prized for its tender texture, mild flavour and striking colour. Young plants produce blue-green leaves with finely cut edges and contrasting purple-red stems and veins, making them particularly appealing in baby leaf salads and microgreen mixes.

Harvested young, Red Russian has a sweeter and more delicate flavour than many mature kales, with tender leaves that can be eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches and wraps. Microgreens are crisp and mild, while larger baby leaves are excellent fresh or lightly cooked in stir-fries, soups and vegetable dishes.

Highly nutritious, productive and cold tolerant, Red Russian is an excellent choice for microgreen and baby leaf production. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth, allowing larger plants to provide repeated cut-and-come-again harvests.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram

Microgreens & Baby Leaf Production: Year round Australia-wide

Tropics: Year round
Subtropics: Year round
Mild climates: Year round
Cold climates: Year round in a protected position

Planting / Sowing

For microgreens, sow seed densely over a moist growing medium and lightly press into the surface. Keep evenly moist and provide bright light once seedlings emerge. Harvest when the cotyledons are fully developed or the first true leaves begin to appear, typically 7–14 days after sowing.

For baby leaf production, sow more thinly in trays, containers or garden beds and harvest leaves when they reach approximately 8–15 cm tall. Cut above the growing point to encourage further growth and repeated harvests.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Rumsey's Red is a traditional-style tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 75 mm across. The medium-sized fruits are juicy and fleshy, with a classic tomato flavour and a useful size for everyday harvesting.

A versatile addition to the home garden, the fruits are excellent eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as for roasting, cooking and making sauces. Their manageable size also makes them convenient for bottling and preserving.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to grow, flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

8 different packets of our old traditional vegetable seed, suitable for Spring and Summer planting.

$28.00 including postage and handling. (Worth $41.00)
A great gift idea for a friend and a good treat for yourself.

Our selection which includes:

1 x Beetroot
1 x Carrot
1 x Capsicum
1 x Chinese Cabbage
1 x Cucumber
1 x Sweet Corn (Not for W.A. replaced with Kale)
1 x Tomato
1 x Zucchini

Please note: The "Spring & Summer Selection - Pack of 8" is only available as our pre-selected set, if you would like to order your own selection then the normal rates apply ($3.90pp + P&H).

Beta vulgaris, Daucus carota, Capsicum annuum, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Cucumis sativus, Lycopersicon esculentum, Cucurbita pepo, Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Rosa Bianca is a vigorous Italian heirloom eggplant renowned for its beautiful rosy lavender and white teardrop-shaped fruit. The large, heavy eggplants have a mild, delicate flavour with creamy flesh and very little bitterness, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, baking, and Mediterranean dishes. Highly productive plants provide abundant harvests throughout the season and mature in approximately 75–90 days.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit while the skin is glossy and firm to encourage continued production and the best eating quality.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Russian Red is a hardy tomato producing medium-sized, round red fruits with juicy flesh and a good traditional tomato flavour. The useful all-purpose fruits are excellent for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, cooking and sauces.

Noted for its tolerance of lower temperatures, Russian Red is particularly useful in cooler districts and areas with shorter or less reliably warm tomato seasons. Its relatively early maturity also helps ensure a good harvest before conditions cool.

Plants are vigorous, tall and leafy with an indeterminate habit, continuing to flower and set fruit over an extended season. Provide sturdy staking or trellising to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the tall climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 70–79 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Champion is a traditional Collard producing large, smooth, tender blue-green leaves with a mild cabbage-like flavour. Vigorous, dependable and notably cold hardy, it continues producing leafy greens over a long harvest period and tolerates poorer soils better than many other brassicas.

Collards are an ancient form of non-heading cabbage and have been cultivated in Europe for more than 2,000 years. They later became deeply embedded in the food traditions of the American South, where slow-cooked collard greens remain an important part of regional cuisine.

The broad leaves are highly nutritious, providing vitamins A, C and K along with folate, calcium and other minerals. Young leaves can be shredded finely for salads and slaws, while mature leaves are excellent steamed, sautéed, braised or slow-cooked. They can also be used as sturdy edible wraps in place of cabbage leaves.

Champion prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH, although it is more forgiving of poorer ground than many heading brassicas. Keep plants consistently watered for the most tender leaves. Mature plants tolerate frost well, and cool weather can improve the sweetness and flavour of the foliage.

Seed count: approximately 300 seeds/g
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer, or late summer for an autumn crop

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist until established.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart. Harvest individual outer leaves once plants are established, leaving the central growing point intact so plants continue producing.

For the sweetest and most tender greens, harvest young leaves regularly. Established plants can withstand cold conditions and light frost.

If saving seed, remember that Collards will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible Brassica oleracea crops, including cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 60–75 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Alcea rosea

Indian Spring Mix is a beautiful Hollyhock producing an abundance of single and semi-double flowers in warm shades of pink, rose, red, salmon and white. Growing to over 1.5 m tall, the stately flower spikes provide height and old-fashioned charm through cottage gardens and mixed borders.

Unlike many traditional Hollyhocks that flower in their second year, Indian Spring is an early-flowering variety capable of blooming in its first year when sown early enough. The prolific flowers continue over an extended period and are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Ideal for planting along fences and walls or towards the back of garden beds, plants perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Their tall flowering stems may benefit from support in exposed or windy positions.

Seed count: approximately 110 seeds/g
Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun. Allow good airflow between plants and water at soil level where possible. For first-year flowering, sow early enough to give plants plenty of time to establish before the flowering season.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Origanum vulgare

Greek Oregano is considered one of the finest culinary oreganos, prized for its intense aroma, robust flavour and exceptional versatility in the kitchen. Forming a bushy perennial clump to around 60 cm tall, it produces masses of small white flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects throughout the warmer months.

A cornerstone herb of Mediterranean cooking, Greek Oregano is indispensable in tomato-based dishes, casseroles, pizzas, grilled vegetables, marinades and roasted meats. The leaves can be used fresh, but their flavour becomes even richer and more concentrated when dried.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Oregano has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Rich in aromatic oils including carvacrol and thymol, it has traditionally been used to support respiratory health, digestive comfort and general wellbeing. Oregano tea and infusions have been used for centuries as a household herbal remedy, while the plant's strong fragrance has made it a favourite in herb gardens around the world.

In the garden, Oregano is a useful companion plant, helping attract pollinators and beneficial insects while reportedly assisting in deterring pests such as cabbage butterflies and cucumber beetles. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and thrives in sunny, well-drained positions.

Approximately 9,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 450 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to July
Subtropics: August to April
Mild climates: August to April
Cold climates: September to January

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and press lightly into place, as light assists germination. Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant into a warm, sunny position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 30–40 cm apart. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and abundant leaf production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)

A beautiful and highly aromatic perennial herb native to North America, prized for its lavender-pink flowers, strong fragrance and versatility in both the garden and kitchen. Closely related to Lemon Beebalm, Wild Bergamot produces masses of shaggy blooms that attract bees, butterflies and a wide range of beneficial pollinating insects throughout summer.

The leaves and flowers have a distinctive spicy, minty flavour and can be used fresh or dried in teas, salads, bean dishes and meat preparations. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, Wild Bergamot has long been used to soothe bronchial complaints, ease colds and support respiratory health. Easy to grow and highly ornamental, it is equally at home in cottage gardens, herb gardens and pollinator plantings.

Approximately 290 seeds per packet

2000 seeds/gram

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Spring and autumn
Cold climates: Spring after frost has passed

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed onto the surface of a fine seed raising mix and lightly press into place, as light assists germination. Keep moist but not waterlogged during germination. Position in full sun to part shade and transplant seedlings once large enough to handle. Space plants approximately 30–50cm apart. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture during active growth. A hardy perennial that will return year after year under favourable conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Cryptotaenia japonica

Mitsuba is a traditional Japanese herb and leafy green valued for its delicate flavour, attractive foliage and versatility in the kitchen. Often described as having notes of parsley, celery and angelica, it is widely used fresh in salads, soups, stews and noodle dishes throughout Japan.

The tender leaves and stems are harvested young for their mild aromatic flavour, while the stems can be blanched to produce a sweeter, more delicate vegetable. Plants form attractive clumps and can reach up to 90 cm in height when mature, making Mitsuba both an ornamental and edible addition to the garden.

A cool-season crop, Mitsuba grows best during spring and autumn and prefers consistent moisture and some protection from intense summer heat. Once established, it provides a steady supply of fresh leaves for harvesting over an extended period.

Approximately 280 seeds per gram
Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Early spring and autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or into trays for transplanting. Space plants 20–30 cm apart in fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost.

Grow in partial shade to full sun in cooler climates and provide regular watering throughout the growing season. Harvest leaves and stems as required, or blanch stems by excluding light for several weeks before harvest to produce a milder flavour and tender texture.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Riesetomate, also known as Traveler or Reisetomate, is one of the more unusual heirloom tomatoes, producing bright red fruits formed from a cluster of deeply divided, fused lobes. Rather than slicing the whole tomato, individual sections can be pulled away as needed, giving the fruit its distinctive knobbly appearance.

The name Reisetomate translates from German as “traveller tomato”, referring to the story that travellers could carry the fruit and break off individual lobes along the way without cutting into the remainder. The juicy red flesh has a pronounced acidic tang and strong, traditional tomato flavour.

An heirloom associated with Central America, this vigorous indeterminate variety is as much a conversation piece as a useful eating tomato. Plants continue producing throughout the season and benefit from sturdy staking or trellising.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Zinnia elegans

Dahlia Flowered Gold Medal Mix is a spectacular tall Zinnia producing large, fully double blooms with densely layered petals resembling dahlias. The mixture brings together a brilliant range of colours, creating a bold and abundant display throughout the warmer months.

Growing up to approximately 1 m tall, the strong, upright stems make this variety particularly valuable for cutting gardens. The substantial blooms have an excellent vase life, while regular picking encourages plants to branch and produce a continuous supply of flowers. Equally impressive in cottage gardens, borders and mass plantings.

The colourful flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Fast growing and generously flowering, Zinnias thrive in warm weather and full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Good airflow around plants and watering at soil level rather than over the foliage will help keep plants healthy.

Seed count: approximately 140 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, covering seed approximately 5 mm deep. Keep warm and consistently moist during germination.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 25–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting. Regularly pick flowers or deadhead spent blooms to encourage branching and continued flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Saponaria officinalis

Soapwort is a charming perennial herb prized for both its ornamental beauty and fascinating history as a natural cleanser. Producing clusters of delicate pink to pale blush flowers throughout the warmer months, it brings a soft cottage-garden feel to borders, wildlife gardens and naturalised plantings. Growing between 30 and 90 cm tall, it forms attractive clumps of lance-shaped foliage and spreads gradually over time.

Rich in naturally occurring compounds known as saponins, Soapwort has been used for centuries as a gentle cleaning plant. When the leaves or roots are mixed with water, they produce a mild lather that was traditionally used to wash delicate fabrics, tapestries and even skin. Its botanical name, Saponaria, derives from the Latin word sapo, meaning soap.

Beyond its practical uses, Soapwort is a valuable garden plant, attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. It thrives in a range of conditions and is particularly well suited to cottage gardens, herb gardens and informal plantings where it can naturalise over time.

Easy to grow and long-lived, Soapwort combines beauty, history and usefulness in a single hardy perennial.

Approximately 1,200 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: March to September
Cold climates: September to November and March to May

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and lightly cover with a fine layer of soil. Keep moist until germination occurs. Transplant seedlings into full sun or partial shade, spacing plants 30–50 cm apart. Prefers moist but well-drained soil and will tolerate a range of garden conditions once established. Remove spent flower heads if desired, or allow plants to self-seed naturally.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.