Anigozanthos manglesii seeds – ( Kangaroo Paw)

Description

This kangaroo paw is a well known one , as it is the western Australian floral emblem.  It has red and green velvety  flowers which are borne on long stems up to 120 cm .  They make  an excellent cut flower, and will flower in their second year from seed. The plants themselves grow well in sandy  and gravelly well drained soils in full sun to part shade, and form clumps of strap – like leaves.  They will do well in the garden , provided that they are protected from snails and slugs which love them.  They  can also be used as pot plants, and look good on a balcony.  They are attractive to birds which love their nectar. The plant tolerates light frost only  , so if your region gets  heavy frost, then  grow it as a potted plant so you can move it under shelter.

Sowing advice

The  recommendation is to apply  a smoke treatment for this seed to germinate well.

Use a ready made solution such as :

• Biogrow seed soak

A cheap option for smoke treatment  is to use a covered object such as a kettle barbecue or  large tin can with lid or similar which can contain the fire.

• In  the  BBQ or tin can object, put  the material you will use for generating smoke , such as dryish grass or wood chips or dryish leaves, in the base of the container.
• Light the material, and allow it to smoulder without burning. The temp should not get too hot. If your hand is too hot then the temperature is too hot.
• Place the seeds into a small open  container , and put this container into the  barbecue , tin etc, on a  rack above the base fire, making sure they are not directly in the smoke or fire. Put the lid on the barbecue ,tin etc
• You may need to replenish the fire material a few times if it stops smouldering
• Leave the seeds inside the covered BBQ /tin /etc for  about 20 mins
• Remove the seeds and sow

For both the above methods after the smoke treatment sow the seeds on the surface of a good quality seed raising mix. Sprinkle the seed lightly with mix. Do not let the mix completely dry out.  Ideal temp range 18-22 deg C. Germination should occur within a month, but can take longer .  Should this occur, set the seed pot aside somewhere and don’t discard as they often germinate when conditions suit them