Burchardia congesta 'Milk Maids' Seeds

Burchardia congesta 'Milk Maids' - 10x Seeds

Burchardia congesta is a perennial herb in the family Colchicaceae, and is native to Western Australia. White and reddish honey-scented star-shaped flower stems are up to 60cm tall above slender leaves. The white flowers, produced from August to October, have yellow anthers. Roots are tapered, carrot-like in shape and available year-round.

Highly attractive, fragrant ornamental suitable for rockeries, containers and informal garden. Plant in groups for best floral display.

Aboriginal name: Kara.

Shade tolerant bush tucker plant with edible tubers.

Aboriginals eat the potato-like tubers. The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are white, fleshy, crisp, and starchy, with a nondescript flavor.

Seed Starting Method Burchardia seeds come in a range of sizes from very tiny to a few millimeters. As a general rule Burchardia seed should be sown to the depth of the seed.

Although most Australian native/ endemic seed can be sown throughout the seasons across Australia it is advisable to sow in Spring or Summer in colder regions. The optimum temperate to ensure the best possible germination rate for sowing many Australian native/ endemic species is around 18-22oC.

Sowing Depth
See above.
The seed will lodge in the pores of your seed starting mix once misted with water.

Growing Season
Spring & Autumn
Place in a warm sunny position and keep moist to avoid drying out.

Germination Time 20-45 days at around 18-22oC. Hardiness Hardy Plant Spacing N/A
Plant Height 60cm-80cm Planting Position Partial or full sun Days Until Maturity N/A Growing tips Seeds of many native/endemic species require specific conditions that mimic their natural habitat or specially formulated seed treatments, to break dormancy.

Do not be to quick to discard pots that haven't yet shown signs of seed germination. Seeds will often lay dormant until conditions are optimal and will produce amazing results, long after they have been forgotten.

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for most native species.
Research shows that many members of this species are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke, which mimocs an Australian bushfire. Although germination will may occur without smoke treatment it has proved be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates of this species.

Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken by applying to the surface after sowing.

Click this link to view our seed starting treatments specially designed for Australian Natives