Eriophorum vaginatum (Hare's Tail Cottongrass) seeds

A native British grass forming compact clumps of bright green, narrow leaves.  From April onwards the flower spikes appear topped with white, fluffy flowerheads just like tufts of cotton wool.  Loves boggy ground and pond margins making it a great plant for constantly wet areas where little grows.

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: April to May
Height: 40cm, Spread: 20cm
Position: Sun or semi shade in damp soil

Packet of 40 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions:  Sow at any time of the year, on the surface of a moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or trays and lightly press the seed into the compost.  Seal in a polythene bag or place in a propagator and maintain an optimum temperature of 18-22C for 4 weeks.  After 4 weeks, move to the fridge or other cold place between 0-5C for a further 4 weeks.  Then bring into warmth of around 12-15C.  Germination can be slow and erratic but should start after 2 to 3 weeks.  As the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.

An alternative method is to sow the seeds outdoors in covered pots, a coldframe or unheated greenhouse, then let nature do its thing and the seedlings will appear in early spring.

Growing Instructions:  Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 9cm pots.  Grow on in cooler conditions (about 13-15C) with plenty of light, but shaded from direct sun and over-winter in a  frost-free greenhouse or coldframe.  When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and grow on until mature enough to be planted out in the garden in a sunny or semi shaded position in damp soil.