NEW ZEALAND MOSS Scleranthus biflorus
New Zealand forms a beautiful lush-green carpet that is perfect for along paths and walkways, or at the front of a shady garden! Plants slowly creep outwards, to form large green mats.
Scleranthus biflorus is a cushion-bush found in Australia and New Zealand. Other common names include the knawel and two-flowered knawel.
A spreading, moss-like plant with dense, bright green, linear leaves about 4mm long. There are minute, double-headed green flowers in late spring.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 1/2 inch or less
Location:
Hardiness zones: 6-9
Seed size: New Zealand Moss seeds are small
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden. It is best to use this method only if you are able to keep the soil moist for the entire germination period.
