New pelleted seeds and the traditional seed balls are meant to make it easier and more reliable to broadcast across a planting bed or container more than one variety mixed together. As opposed to the paper seed packet containing a mix, where little control is had over which seeds fall together into a trench or hole; pelleted seeds or seed balls hold a preselected amount of colors or type of plant species.
Seed balls, going back centuries, allow seed to be spread without losing the potential plant material, either to wind or wildlife. The new pelleted seed technique called Fuseables™ allows professional growers to more evenly control colors or species to create pre-determined plant combinations.
New Flower Combinations With Fuseables
Displays of new flower combinations by PanAmerican Seed at the California Spring Trials in recent years have been inspired by utilizing pelleted seeds; these became known as Fuseables™. The seeds are expected to achieve a 95 percent germination standard.
The pelleted seed mixes emerge with more naturally blended curb-appeal for the home garden. These mixes can be made up of different colors of the same flower or different species of complementary hues. The pellets are available as is, grown into well-developed plant plugs sold in packs or grown into fully realized container combos created by professional growers.
Gardeners can now consider these plant combinations for growing in their containers or plant beds:
- Juncus ‘Twisted Arrows Mix’ brings together Juncus inflexus ‘Twisted Arrows’ and Juncus effuses ‘Twisted Dart.’ A coleus and small hosta will complement the grass in a shade garden.
- Multi-species Cotton Candy mixes a popular Wave® petunia, Petunia Shock Wave™ ‘Pink Vein' and a trailer of light blue tiny flowers called Bacopa Blutopia®.
- Single species mix, Blueberry Lime Jam blends the Petunia Sophistica™ ‘Lime Green' and the dark blue flower, Petunia ‘Dreams Midnight.’
- A planting called Blues Brothers blends Lobelia erinus ‘Riveria Midnight Blue' and Lobelia erinus ‘Crystal Palace.’
Seed Balls Grow Wildflower or Hummingbird Plants
The more traditional technique, seed balls, have been around for ages having been developed for practical purposes, to fend off birds or protect from wind and losing valuable seed. Seed balls are formed by mixing together red clay, rich organic soil, seed and sometimes fertilizer.
Hummingbird mixes might include seed from purple coneflower, cosmos, black-eyed Susan, sweet alyssum or sunflowers. A mix to grow wildflowers would contain yarrow, Shasta daisy, blue flax and coneflowers. Another example would have a blend of edible flowers suitable for a planting of herbs or a garden steps from the kitchen door.
Seed balls are often used by urban habitat renewal organizers or environmentalists and homemade recipes make it an easy project for community groups. Spreading seed balls on an opened space of unused land improves the health of the area and prevents water runoff to the larger community.
Plant Combinations with Fruit Vegetables and Flowers
In 2011, at the California Spring Trials, examples of edible plant combinations blending fruit, vegetables and flowers were displayed by growers. Although not an event for home gardeners, the news coming out reveals potential ideas garden centers will be offering in years to come.
Whether flower lover or veggie grower, techniques like mixing different seeds into one pellet will allow professionals to offer new, sometimes unexpected, plant combinations for the home gardener. A mix of lettuce varieties called Simply Salad is only a precursor of things to come.
Sources:
- “Fuseables Multi-Pelleted Seed Produces Instant Mixed Containers.” March 29, 2010. Greenhouse Grower.com.
- PanAmerican Seed Catalogue. 2012. Pages 46 – 49. PanAmerican Seed.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
