Seed Paper — The Call Business DE

All about plantable seed paper

Forget-me-not is Alaska's state flower.

While the flowers don't have much scent during the day, they are very fragrant in the evening.

Many species are native to New Zealand.

The Latin name Mysotis was chosen because the flowers reminded botanists of a mouse’s ear.

In Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, forget-me-nots are worn as symbols of remembrance, like the poppy on Remembrance Day.

What is seed paper and how does it work?

The card that we sent you is made from plantable seed paper. The paper consists of two thin layers of recycled paper with seeds in between. When it is planted in soil, the paper composts and the seeds start to germinate.

We have chosen forget-me-not seeds, to symbolise enduring friendship.

About forget-me-nots and when to plant them

Forget-me-nots are very hardy little plants that die back in winter but will re-sprout in spring. Plants that are at least a year old will flower the next spring. These little blue bloomers are so unfussy you can plant them almost anywhere but their preference is for cool weather, moist soil and indirect light.

Plant your forget-me-not plantable paper in early spring and you will have healthy plants by the summer, which will flower the following spring.

STEP 1: PREPARE

First up, fill a medium-sized pot up to 2/3 of the way up with good potting soil or compost. Gently press down the soil and add more if necessary. You want the pot to be 2/3 full, and the soil to be firm but not packed.

STEP 2: PLANT

Tear your plantable paper into pieces, wet the pieces and cover the soil in the prepared pot with the paper. It's okay if the paper overlaps. Spread a 1cm layer of soil over the plantable paper pieces and tamp down gently.

STEP 3: WATER

After planting the paper in your pot, give it a good soak. You want the paper and the soil to be nicely damp but not swimming in water. During the first 10 days, keep the paper moist at all times. The water is necessary for germination, because the seeds first have to detach themselves properly from the paper and the paper must largely perish before they sprout. A sunny corner in the house (or outside) certainly helps! If you are going to put the pot outside, you need to make sure that it will not be exposed to frost.

STEP 4: LET IT GROW

Once sprouts appear, continue to keep the paper moist but be careful not to overwater. Once sturdy plants appear, water as needed.

Not all seeds germinate and so, statistically, some of our seed cards won’t germinate. If you don’t get any baby plants from your seeds, please email christmas@thecallbusiness.com and we will send replacements.