Stenocarpus sinuatus - 20 seeds - Queensland Firewheel Tree. Germination tested.

The magnificent orange/red flowers arranged in a wheel on this tree are unique and simply incredible. Unfortunately they will not grow in all parts of the country and are frost tender (although I have seen them growing at Hamilton Gardens in the Waikato). Slow-growing at the start, the firewheel may not begin flowering until it is seven to ten years old or so. Related to the protea, it shares that plant’s aversion to phosphorous, so be careful that you don’t give it fertilizer high in P. It should prosper in acidic, well-drained soil in either full sun or partial shade with average amounts of water. Although the tree can reach 30 metres high in the rainforests of Australia, it isn’t likely to even get to 10 metres here cultivation.

Seed needs to be planted in Summer or other times of the year if using a heat pad or greenhouse. To grow these seeds, soak the seeds in warm water overnight before sowing them. Sow seeds in a pot filled with a well-drained seed raising mix, and barely cover with a fine layer of mix and water well. Transplant seedlings into a freely draining potting mix once 5cm high. No other pre treatment is necessary, they don’t need stratification.

You will need to be patient—making sure to keep the mix damp in the meantime—as the seeds often take 4-6 weeks to germinate.

The young plants should be kept in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight and exposed to the latter only gradually when they are older if you need them to be. Rain forest species, after all, usually don’t receive much sun until they push their heads up into the canopy.

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

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.