Australian Grass Tree Flowers are a classic native. Commonly known as Grasstrees or Balga Grass, it forms large, black trunks over many years. The flower seeds are hardy and tolerate drought, fire, cold, and heat—as you might expect from an Australian native. They are best left undisturbed once established but can be successfully raised for container gardens provided good drainage, and a low-nutrient potting mix is used.

How to Sow Seeds

Method: Sow grass tree flower seeds in warm areas anytime.
Depth: Fill 10cm (4in) pots with moist sandy soil, wet thoroughly, compress, and sow 2 or 3 seeds flat on the soil in each pot before covering lightly.
Transplanting: Plant out when about 10cm (4in) high and water in well, watering weekly in dry weather for quicker growth.
Growing notes: In frost-prone areas, sow when the danger of frost is over instead. Water gently and cover pots with clear polythene to keep them moist (remove when the seeds start to germinate). Place grass tree flower seedlings in a warm, shady position to help them germinate fully. They respond well to small amounts of low-phosphate, slow-release fertiliser. Learn what to plant in summer in Australia with the complete guide.

Growing Needs

Soil: Fill 10cm (4in) pots with moist sandy soil, wet thoroughly, compress, and sow 2 or 3 seeds flat on the soil in each pot before covering lightly
Temperature: In frost-prone areas, sow when the danger of frost is over instead

Plant Characteristics

Plant type: Australian native
Uses: They are best left undisturbed once established but can be successfully raised for container gardens provided good drainage, and a low-nutrient potting mix is used