{"product_id":"astrantia-major-seeds","title":"Astrantia Major Seeds — Astrantia major","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Jewel of the Cottage Garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAstrantia\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAstrantia major\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Masterwort, is one of the most exquisite and sought-after cottage garden perennials. Its intricate, pincushion-like flower heads are surrounded by a collar of pointed, papery bracts in shades of soft white, blush pink, and dusky rose — each bloom looking like a tiny, perfectly crafted star. Long-lived and elegant, Astrantia brings a refined, romantic quality to borders and arrangements that few other plants can match.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e⭐ \u003cstrong\u003eExquisite pincushion blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — intricate star-like flowers with delicate papery bracts in white, pink, and rose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut and dried flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long-lasting fresh and retains its beauty when dried\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📏 \u003cstrong\u003eGrows 60–90 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e — perfect for mid-border planting and shaded cottage beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eAttracts bees and beneficial insects\u003c\/strong\u003e — a valuable addition to any NZ pollinator garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eLong-lived perennial\u003c\/strong\u003e — establishes slowly but rewards with years of beautiful blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAstrantia thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in a partially shaded to shaded position. In cooler regions of New Zealand, it will also tolerate full sun provided the soil stays consistently moist. It dislikes hot, dry conditions and performs best in NZ's cooler regions including Canterbury, Otago, Wellington, and the central North Island. Patience is rewarded — plants may take a full season to establish before flowering freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Stratify Astrantia Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAstrantia requires cold stratification to germinate reliably — skipping this step is the most common reason these seeds fail. Here's how to do it successfully:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisten a paper towel\u003c\/strong\u003e until damp but not dripping, and place your seeds inside, folded over to keep them in contact with the moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeal in a zip-lock bag\u003c\/strong\u003e and label it with the date.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRefrigerate for 4–6 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e at 2–5°C — the standard fridge temperature. Check weekly to ensure the towel stays moist and watch for any signs of germination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow immediately\u003c\/strong\u003e once stratification is complete, or as soon as you see seeds beginning to sprout. Sow into moist seed-raising mix at a depth of just 2–3 mm, as light aids germination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep cool and moist\u003c\/strong\u003e — place pots in a cool, sheltered spot (not in direct sun) and maintain consistent moisture. Germination can still take 2–4 weeks after stratification, so don't give up!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlternatively, sow directly outdoors in autumn and let the NZ winter do the work naturally — this is often the most reliable method of all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e10 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Astrantia (\u003cem\u003eAstrantia major\u003c\/em\u003e), along with full printed instructions for cold stratification.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45028647239749,"sku":null,"price":5.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_b74a3701-6926-406d-b2b6-dc01599d54d7.png?v=1780703984","url":"https:\/\/chbotanics.co.nz\/products\/astrantia-major-seeds","provider":"Chbotanics Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}