Seed Treatment
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 6–12 hours.
• Cold stratification:
– Mix seeds with moist sand or moist paper towel
– Place in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 2–4 weeks at 1–4 °C (33–39 °F)
– If seedlings sprout during stratification, remove them from the bag and plant immediately
• The paper towel method works well during cold stratification—just keep it moist, not soggy.
Best Time to Sow
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost
• Outdoors: Direct sow in spring after the last frost or in early autumn for natural stratification
Optimum Temperature for Germination
• 18–21 °C (64–70 °F)
Germination Time
• 14-35 days
Sowing Instructions
• Surface sow: press seeds gently into moist seed-starting mix — do not cover
• Maintain consistent moisture during germination; do not let soil dry out
• Use a humidity dome or clear plastic cover to retain moisture, with ventilation
Light Requirements
• Seeds require light to germinate
• After germination, grow in full sun for compact, healthy plants
Post-Germination Care
• Thin or transplant seedlings when they develop 2–3 true leaves
• Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting outdoors
• Space 20–25 cm (8–10 in) apart in well-drained, sandy soil
Growing Tips
• Drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant once established — perfect for coastal or rock gardens
• Avoid overwatering — roots dislike soggy soil
• Remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous blooming
• Low-maintenance perennial that forms tidy mounds with pink or lavender flowers
Note: Armeria maritima is slow to establish but long-lived and excellent for borders, edges, or gravel gardens. Patience during germination pays off with stunning blooms!