Lomandra Longifolia Seeds

Sowing **Lomandra longifolia**, a hardy and ornamental perennial native to Australia, is a simple and effective method to grow this plant used for its decorative qualities and drought tolerant properties. Here is a complete guide to successfully sowing **Lomandra longifolia**:

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### **Steps for sowing Lomandra longifolia**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring**: From March to May, when temperatures start to warm up.
- **Autumn**: Possible in regions with mild winters.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- The seeds are found in capsules formed after flowering. Harvest them when they are fully ripe and dry.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Lomandra longifolia** seeds do not need any special treatment, but soaking may promote faster germination.

##### **Preprocessing (optional)**:
1. **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for **24 hours** to hydrate their shell.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Use a well-drained mix of seed starting soil, sand, and perlite (2:1:1).
- **In open ground**:
- Prepare a well-drained and loosened soil, ideally slightly sandy.
- **pH** :
- Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or crates (recommended for optimal control)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots or boxes with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds on the surface and cover them with a thin layer of substrate or sand (approximately **1 cm**).
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a bright place, at a constant temperature of **20°C to 25°C**.

##### **In open ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow directly at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**, spacing them **30 to 50 cm**.
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the soil after sowing.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **18°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, but not too much, to avoid rotting.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination usually takes **4 to 6 weeks**, but can sometimes take longer.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Lightening**:
- When the seedlings are about **5 cm** tall, thin them out to leave **30 to 50 cm** between each plant.
2. **Watering**:
- Water moderately to maintain light humidity.
3. **Light**:
- Provide bright light or direct sunlight exposure.

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#### **8. Transplanting (for seedlings in pots)**:
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants measure approximately **10 cm** and have several leaves.
- **Method** :
- Transplant into open ground or individual pots, spacing **30 to 50 cm**.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a location in full sun or light shade.
2. **Spacing**:
- Leave **30 to 50 cm** between plants so that they can flourish fully.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Once established, **Lomandra longifolia** is very drought tolerant. Water only in case of prolonged drought.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Apply a light fertilizer in spring if necessary, although this plant thrives in poor soils.
3. **Size** :
- Remove dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance.
4. **Tolerance**:
- This plant is very resistant to diseases and pests, requiring little care.

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### **Uses and Benefits:**
1. **Ornamental**:
- Ideal for borders, rockeries, or as ground cover in dry gardens.
2. **Ecological**:
- Drought tolerant, this plant is ideal for sustainable gardens.
3. **Usefulness**:
- The leaves of **Lomandra longifolia** are traditionally used by the Aborigines to make ropes or baskets.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Lomandra longifolia** is a simple method to introduce this versatile plant into your garden. With minimal maintenance, it will provide a long-lasting and resilient touch of greenery, even in harsh conditions. 🌱🌾