Petunia Marvellous Purple Star

Sowing Time

Sowing time refers to the optimum time for sowing seed of a variety to encourage strong and vigorous growth. Whilst some varieties may be able to be sown outside the range suggested, they will generally perform best when sown in the approximate seasonal ranges provided.

A lot of seeds need consistent warmth to help them germinate. The best way to achieve this is to sow at the right time. By sowing in season when the conditions are optimum for seed germination you are increasing your chances of success. Slight bottom heat, approximately 20°C, can speed germination of many varieties.

To reference the best sowing times for a variety, we use sow numbers as detailed here:

1. Early Spring
2. Late Spring & Early Summer
3. Late Summer & Early Autumn

Growing Method

TRANSPLANT

• Containers: Seeds can be sown in pretty much any container, tray or pot. Ensure the container has drainage holes in the bottom.
• Mix Preparation: Use a good quality, seed raising mix and fill the container to within 2cm from the rim. Always use a commercially formulated seed raising mix to ensure sterility of the growing medium which will prevent possible infection of your seedlings. Use the palm of your hand to press down on the mix to create a firm surface.
• Sowing: Sow seed evenly providing some space between seeds. Lightly cover the seed with seed raising mix, a sieve may be useful. Depth should be no more than twice the diameter of the seed. In the case of very fine seed no covering is needed. Use the palm of your hand to press down on the mix to create a firm surface.
• Watering: Water the tray either by a watering can or hose using a very fine spray or place the tray into a tray of water and leave to soak until the surface appears glossy.
• Environment: A piece of glass with a few thicknesses of paper on top may be placed over the container to prevent the mix surface from drying out. Turn glass daily so that the dry side is downwards. Cling film or recycled clear plastic meat trays can also be used. Check daily for signs of germination and remove covering as soon as seedlings appear, exposing the tender plants gradually to the full sunlight.
• Seedling Growth: If growing on a window sill, turn the container every day to maintain an even growth and to keep the seedlings from stretching towards the light. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into a suitable container approximately 4cm apart. Harden off plants gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting in their final growing location.
• Moisture Management: Keep trays moist but not drenched to ensure germination and rapid growth. Overhead watering can be used initially but once seeds germinate and a leaf canopy establishes it is best to water from below by soaking the trays in water to avoid the development of diseases. When watering overhead, water earlier in the day to prevent having wet leaves overnight when the conditions are not as suitable for drying. The mix within the tray should appear dark and not brown to indicate appropriate moisture levels.

Returns Policy

You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.

Shipping

We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.

When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.