STURT’S DESERT PEA Seeds
Botanical Name: Swainsona formosa
Other Names: Desert Pea, Sturt Pea
- Iconic Australian native wildflower with bold red flowers featuring a glossy black centre.
- Low-growing, sprawling plant naturally adapted to arid and semi-arid landscapes; a striking choice for native gardens, tubs or hanging baskets.
- Highly ornamental and prized for dramatic colour displays.
- Drought-tolerant once established and suited to very free-draining sandy or gritty soils.
- A native legume adapted to low-fertility conditions.
- Suitable for native landscaping and wildflower displays in appropriate climates.
- South Australia’s floral emblem and one of Australia’s most recognisable native plants.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Prostrate to trailing native perennial, often grown as an annual.
- Plant Height: Approximately 10–30 cm tall, with sprawling stems that may reach about 2 m long.
Sowing Information
- Germination: Approximately 4–10 days under ideal conditions following effective seed pre-treatment; longer in cooler conditions.
- Depth: Sow approximately 5 mm deep in a free-draining seed-raising mix.
- Position: Full sun in an open, sunny position.
- Sow Where: Direct sow into prepared beds or final containers where possible. If using individual tubes, transplant carefully while young to minimise root disturbance.
- Soil Type: Very free-draining sandy or gritty soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Spacing: Approximately 60–150 cm between plants, allowing room for sprawling stems.
Growing Tips
- Pre-treat the hard seed coat before sowing. Carefully nick or lightly abrade the seed coat away from the attachment point, without damaging the seed inside, then soak overnight before sowing.
- Use a free-draining mix with added horticultural sand or grit. Avoid excessive fertiliser; use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if required.
- Keep the sowing mix lightly moist during germination without allowing it to become waterlogged.
- Once established, allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Avoid keeping the root zone constantly wet.
- Protect plants from prolonged rain, high humidity and poor drainage, particularly in coastal and tropical climates.
- Flowering may begin around four months after sowing under favourable growing conditions.
Flowering
Large, vivid pea-shaped flowers provide a striking display. Flowering time
varies with climate, sowing time and growing conditions, with late winter
and spring displays possible in suitable regions.
Ornamental & Landscape Uses
- A distinctive feature plant for native gardens and Australian wildflower displays.
- Suitable for large containers, tubs and hanging baskets with excellent drainage.
- A colourful option for arid gardens and waterwise landscapes in suitable climates.
When to Sow Sturt’s Desert Pea in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Suggested Sowing Time | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Late winter–spring | Sow as conditions begin to warm. Protect young plants from frost and provide excellent drainage. |
| Subtropical | Autumn–early winter | Choose mild conditions outside the humid summer period. Use a sunny position and protect from prolonged rainfall. |
| Tropical | Dry season | Challenging in humid climates. Trial in containers with excellent drainage, good airflow and protection from heavy rain. |
| Cool | Spring, after frost risk has passed | Choose a warm, sheltered position. Start under protection if needed and avoid disturbing roots when planting out. |
| Arid | Late winter–early spring | Choose mild conditions and provide moisture for establishment. Avoid severe frost and extreme heat during germination. |
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