Clianthus puniceus - NZ native white flowering kaka beak - 25 seeds. Critically endangered in the wild. 

 I have grown more than 100 seedlings without treating the seeds first. However it appears that they will germinate much faster with treatment with boiling water for 1 minute prior to planting to soften the seed coat. See photo, the seedlings on the left have been treated with boiling water prior to planting. The seeds on the right were not. The seeds on the right will all germinate eventually but will take more time.

Sow the seeds in growing media and top with a sheet of glass over the container to keep the moisture up. Do not cover the seeds as some light is required for germination, but keep out of direct sunlight. Keep moist, but not soaking wet. Like a moist sponge - moist to the touch but not dripping. 

Kaka beak seeds take some time to germinate. Take the sheet of glass off the top once you see the first sign of germination to prevent damping off. Protect from slugs and snails. One slug will happily wipe out all your seedlings. Prick the plants out when they have 3-4 leaves and plant in a 5cm tube. Seedlings are initially quite slow growing and it may take a couple of months before you are able to prick them out. 

The best time to plant is Autumn - because the winter rains help the plant establish itself. 

Kaka beaks prefer well drained soils as naturally they grow on steep slopes. A position in full Sun is best. When young, it needs protection from strong winds. Water if the Summer has been very dry. Established plants are drought resistant and is tolerant of coastal conditions. We have very dry summers here some years and they handle it well although folded leaves together when it got really dry. 

You have the option of sending via regular air mail or expedited shipping. Please choose the expedited shipping option if you would like a tracking number even though it is more expensive, because if you opt for regular mail, I cannot provide a tracking number. 

If your address is in South America, Arabian Peninsula or Africa you MUST choose expedited shipping. Normal mail often does not seem to get to these destinations from New Zealand. 

Expedited shipping takes less than 1 week worldwide. Regular mail to the rest of the world (apart from the above geographical regions) often takes 4-6 weeks. Please do not complain if you haven't received your seeds after 2 weeks. If you live in Greece, or neighbouring countries please be aware that it is not unusual for regular mail from New Zealand to take 8 weeks to reach you.