Blushing Bride – 5 Seeds

The Blushing Bride (Serruria florida) is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, endemic to South Africa. It is a single stemmed, erect, evergreen shrub, 0.8-1.5 x 0.5 m. Flowering stems branch off the main stem producing fine, dissected leaves and end in terminal flowering buds.

It produces 1-8 ivory to pink flowers per branch. It flowers in winter and spring, from July to October, and produces nut-like seeds which are released about two months later. It needs acid soil and mulch to thrive. It makes a good cut flower. It is easily grown from seeds, responds very well to pruning, is a fast grower, and flowers within 15 months of germinating.

Common Names: Blushing Bride, Pride-of-franschhoek, Skaamblom and Trots-van-franschoek.

Growing Blushing Bride

Indoor Sowing: Autumn.

Direct Sowing: Autumn.

• Seeds generally germinate after fire has occurred, therefore it is recommended to use a smoke primer to help with germination.
• Sow the seeds in autumn. The effects of higher day temperatures and cooler night temperatures play an important role in initiating germination.
• The seeds can also be exposed to short periods of high temperatures followed by cooling water, which mimics the autumn temperatures and stimulates the seed to germinate.
• Use a well-drained, acidic soil or make a mixture of 2 parts peat, 2 parts coarse river sand and 1 part perlite.
• Sow seeds in seed trays or beds, placing them approximately 2cm apart and do not cover with soil or barely cover with a thin layer of clean river sand, as the seeds need light to germinate.
• Keep soil moist, but not wet.
• Optimal germination temperature is between 18°C to 22°C.
• Germination in about 4 weeks, but may take longer.
• The young seedling should be grown in an area that is well ventilated and fairly well lit.
• The plants should be watered in the mornings and may be fed with an organic-based fertilizer.
• The young plants can be planted out in autumn or in the cooler months before the onset of summer. This will allow the root system to become established and gives the young plant a good chance of survival.