Thamnochortus lucens (100 seeds)

Thamnochortus lucens. It is a restio with an arching, tufted growth habit which remains rounded, compact and neat It is 0.3 to 0.6 m tall and has a base diameter of 5-200 mm and a crown diameter of 200-300 mm. It has unbranched, smooth culms (stems) and side shoots often emerge from the nodes along the fertile culms as well as at the base of the plant. These small shoots become curled and tangle together but are sterile as they do not produce flowers or seeds. Sowing : Sow seeds in early autumn (March) when there is a fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Night temperatures are cool, 10-15°C, and daytime temperatures warm, 20-30°C. Fifty per cent of restio seeds produced by a plant are not viable. A good germination percentage occurs when the seeds are treated with the Instant Smoke Plus seed primer. Sow the seeds into deep seed trays using a well-drained medium. Sow in an even layer completely covering the growing medium. Cover with a fine layer of milled bark and water lightly. Place the seed trays in a warm light area. Keep the trays damp but not wet. Germination should take place after three weeks. Locality: Kleinmond. Harvest: September 2021