# Sturt's Desert Pea (Swainsona formosa)

Australian native seed packet from Native Seed Co.

- Price: A$14.00 per 1 packet, AUD incl. GST
- Availability: in stock
- Shop page: https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/526
- SKU: NSC-526
- Packet contents: approx. 50 seeds

Sturt's Desert Pea is an unmistakable wildflower with trailing stems and vivid red flowers marked by a glossy black centre. Flowering in the heat of spring and summer, it brings a fierce, beautiful spirit to dry landscapes and catches every eye with its dramatic form.

Sturt's Desert Pea (Swainsona formosa) is South Australia's floral emblem and one of Australia's most distinctive wildflowers. This remarkable plant produces spectacular red and black flowers that are instantly recognizable and deeply symbolic of the Australian outback. The flowers feature brilliant red petals with a prominent glossy black centre, creating a striking contrast that makes them unmistakable.

## Growing specifications

- Origin: Arid inland of every mainland state
- Form: groundcover (annual); height 15–20 cm; spread 1–2 m
- Sun: full sun
- Soil: sandy, gravel
- Drought tolerance: high
- Frost: tender
- Coastal / salt tolerant: no
- Suited climates: arid, semi-arid, mediterranean
- Flowering season: spring, summer
- Sowing season: spring, autumn
- Germination: 7–21 days
- Seed pre-treatment: scarify or hot water soak
- Attracts: birds
- Garden uses: pots, hanging baskets, rockery, dry garden
- Notes: Floral emblem of South Australia. Sow where it is to grow — it resents transplanting — in a very sandy, fast-draining mix. Keep dry in humid weather.

## Highlights

- South Australia's floral emblem - truly iconic
- Striking red flowers with distinctive black centres
- Perfectly adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions
- Rare and challenging - a true collector's plant

## How to sow

1. Scarify seeds gently with sandpaper before sowing to improve germination.
2. Use extremely well-draining, sandy soil mix with minimal organic matter.
3. Sow seeds in autumn or early winter for spring flowering.
4. Plant in full sun location with excellent drainage - raised beds recommended.
5. Water very sparingly - overwatering is the main cause of failure.
6. Germination can be erratic and may take several weeks to months.

## Care

- Provide minimal water - this plant thrives in drought conditions and excessive moisture will kill it.
- Ensure perfect drainage to prevent root rot - consider growing in containers with drainage holes.
- Avoid fertilizers as they can inhibit flowering and promote leaf growth over flowers.
- Plant in raised beds or containers for better drainage control in humid climates.
- Protect from frost and excessive humidity - this is a true desert specialist.
- Be patient - this is one of the most challenging Australian natives to grow successfully.

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