Are Sturt desert Peas perennial?
Are Sturt desert Peas perennial?
Swainsona formosa (G. Don) Joy Thomps. Sturt’s Desert Pea is endemic to the Australian mainland and occurs in arid inland regions with annual rainfall of between 125 and 250mm per year. Sturt’s Desert Pea is normally treated as an annual, sprouting readily from seed and completing its life cycle within a year.
Are Sturt desert Peas easy to grow?
The Sturt’s Desert pea is a well-known Australian native flower that is the state floral emblem for South Australia. Although much admired these plants are notoriously hard to grow outside their natural desert environment as they are prone to fungal diseases and root rots.
How do you take care of Sturt desert Peas?
7 steps to success with Sturt Desert Pea
- Wake them up! Sturt Desert Pea seeds are dormant.
- Give them a hot bath. Remove from the fridge and soak the seeds in very hot water (not boiling).
- Give them a moist bed.
- Water them gently.
- Do not disturb the tap root.
- Keep them in the sun but away from bugs.
- Feed them.
Why is it called Sturt Desert Pea?
Sturt’s desert pea is part of the genus swainsona, named after English botanist Isaac Swainson. The common name of the plant was given in honour of the British explorer of Australia, Charles Sturt.
How long do Sturt Desert Peas take to germinate?
4-10 days
Annual to 20cm. Well known Australian native desert wildflower commonly seen in dry arid conditions. Grows well in dry hot inland conditions and sandy soils….Swainsona formosa.
| Method | Sow direct |
|---|---|
| Sowing Depth | 5mm |
| Germination | 4-10 days @ 20-32°C |
| Hardiness / Life Cycle | Frost Tender Annual |
| Plant Spacing | 150cm |
Where is Sturt Desert Pea Found?
mainland Australia
Sturt’s Desert Pea occurs naturally in inland areas of all of mainland Australia, except for Victoria. It extends to the coast in Western Australia, north of Shark Bay (where the desert meets the sea). Swainsona formosa was adopted as the floral emblem of South Australia in 1961 when it was known as Clianthus formosus.
Where do Sturt desert Peas grow?
To grow the Sturt’s desert pea, it needs perfect drainage, full sun, and minimal watering once the seedling becomes established. A good way to grow in the garden, is in a large tub or a terracotta drainage pipe stood upright and filled with gritty free draining soil. Hanging baskets are also a great way to grow them.
Can you grow Sturt desert Pea in pots?
Where is Sturt desert Pea Found?
How does a Sturt desert Pea survive in the desert?
It is well adapted to life as a desert plant. The small seeds have a long viability, and can germinate after many years. Seeds have a hard seed coat, which protects them from harsh arid environments until the next rainfall, but inhibits germination in normal domestic environments.
How does a Sturt Desert Pea survive in the desert?
What is a sturt’s desert pea?
Description: In its natural habitat, the arid areas of central and Western Australia, the Sturt’s Desert pea is a plant that spreads across the ground reaching up to 2m (6′) across. The plants have scarlet, pea-shaped flowers, which are striking against the grey green leaves. It is found naturally occurring in sandy,…
What does a desert pea plant look like?
Description: In its natural habitat, the arid areas of central and Western Australia, the Sturt’s Desert pea is a plant that spreads across the ground reaching up to 2m (6′) across. The plants have scarlet, pea-shaped flowers, which are striking against the grey green leaves.
Where do Desert peas grow in Australia?
Sturt’s desert pea is famous for its distinctive slender-tipped red flower. Although the floral emblem for South Australia, this easily-recognised wildflower is found throughout inland arid zones of Australia.
What is the annual rainfall for Desert peas?
Sturt’s Desert Pea is endemic to the Australian mainland and occurs in arid inland regions with annual rainfall of between 125 and 250mm per year. Its flowering period occurs over a range from July to March, depending to a large extent on the timing of the onset of rain.
