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Watch your seed sprout

Here comes the exciting part - your seed has sprouted! There are some golden rules to follow during this first sprout stage to ensure your seedling blooms into a healthy and thriving plant.

Caring for your new seedlings

Learn how to take extra special care of your little seedlings with our video, or follow the simple steps below.

  • Step 1

    Your seedling needs sunlight and water in order to grow.

  • Step 2

    It’s important to check that the separated coco pellet in your pot is not too dry or not too damp. You want it just right! If it is light in colour and appears dusty, give it a little drink of water. If it’s wet to the touch, don’t give your seedling anymore water.

  • Step 3

    Check on your seedling every day to make sure it’s hydrated. Before you know it, it will begin to sprout up.

Keep up the good work, your seedling is growing from strength to strength. You’re sprouting in the right direction, and there’s so much more to come!

A watering guide for your Woolworths Discovery Garden

  • How do I know if my plant needs water?

    How do I know if my plant needs water?

    Check the separated coco pellet that your seed is growing in. If it’s dry, dusty and a lighter brown than usual, it needs some water. If it is dark and wet to the touch, it should be okay. If your plant is wilting or has black or brown patches on the leaves, it may be too wet.

  • How should I water my plant?

    How should I water my plant?

    For fragile sprouts and seedlings, try dripping water gently onto the separated coco pellet that your seed is growing in, or spray gently with a spray bottle. For more established plants, pouring water directly from a hose or watering can is great.

  • Is just water enough for my plant?

    Is just water enough for my plant?

    Just like humans, plants need food too! Plant food contains nutrients to help your plant grow strong. Follow the instructions on your plant food container to know how much to add and how often, however most established plants will benefit from a “feed” at least once a fortnight.

How do I avoid wasting water?

You don’t always have to fill a watering can or spray bottle straight from the tap. Here are some easy, environmentally conscious ways to save water for your garden

  • Leftover boiled water

    Save water leftover from boiling pasta or vegetables. Make sure water hasn’t been salted and has cooled before you use it to water your plants.

  • Save rinsing water

    Instead of rinsing fruit and vegetables under a running tap, fill up a bowl of water to rinse them in. Once finished, use the water on your plants, rather than tipping it down the drain.

  • Save it on a rainy day

    Place empty buckets outside when it’s raining. It’s best to use captured rainwater within a few days to avoid it becoming stagnant and smelly.

Get your Discovery Garden Collector Tray

Grab all your gardening tools and set up your Seedling Kits in our Discovery Garden Collector Tray.

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Did you know?

There are up to 60,000 bees in a single honey bee hive. It can take up to a month to produce a kilo of honey.

Find out more

Quick bee facts

Meet the NEW Woolworths Discovery Garden

Introducing the 24 herbs, vegetables and flowers that make up our Discovery Garden. Find tips, fun facts and get to know the plants you’re growing below.

  • Red Basil
  • Chives
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Lemon Balm
  • Sage
  • Bunching Onion
  • Carrot 'All Seasons'
  • Cabbage Sugarloaf
  • Tomato Cherry
  • Lettuce Mixed Salad
  • Perpetual spinach
  • Silverbeet
  • Cornflower
  • Salvia
  • Dianthus
  • Phacelia
  • Lavender
  • Poppy
  • Phlox
  • Aster
  • Zinnia
  • Pansy 'Admire'
  • Swan River daisy
NameCornflower
TypeFlower
When to plantAutumn to early winter.
Watch forAphids. To remove aphids, spray with soapy water.
Fun factIt’s also called bachelor’s buttons.

Tips

Your Woolworths Discovery Garden cornflowers need darkness to germinate, so cover the seed with 1cm of the coco pellet. Make sure the coco pellet is well drained and kept moist with regular watering. After repotting, in about 3 months, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful blue cornflowers.

First sprout FAQs

Find the answers to all of your gardening questions below.

Seed performance is subject to growing conditions. Most seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks of being planted, though some may take longer. However, some seeds may not germinate and if you’re still not seeing a seedling, it could be because:

  • The coco pellet hasn’t been wet enough OR has been too wet
  • The seeds weren’t covered in enough growing media
  • The coco pellet was packed down too tightly
  • The pots were put somewhere too windy, too cold, or too hot.

This could be caused by various things. You might be over or under-watering, and your plant might be getting too much or not enough light.

Mould is caused by fungi that is commonly found in the environment, and grows best when there’s moisture in the air. If your pot becomes mouldy, you can wipe it away with a tissue, this will not affect the quality of the plant.

The initial stages of sprouting look like a little green stalk emerging from the soil. Remember it’s a gradual process, so be patient.

Yes, it does. Be sure your seedling is positioned to soak up loads of light in its current location. If it’s not getting enough sunlight, consider moving it to a different spot.

A general sign that your seedling is healthy is that it’s green rather than yellow or grey and doesn't have limp or wrinkled leaves.

*In a single eligible transaction at Woolworths Supermarkets, participating Woolworths Metro stores and Woolworths Online (excluding items such as gift cards, tobacco, liquor). ^In a single eligible transaction at Woolworths Supermarkets, participating Woolworths Metro stores and Woolworths Online (excluding items such as gift cards, tobacco, liquor). Limit of 3 bonus kits per participating brand per eligible transaction. For program dates and T&Cs, see Terms & Conditions. While stocks last.