Billy Buttons Pycnosorus globosus (syn. Craspedia globosa)Packet: 50 seedsUntreated seed Billy Buttons is one of the most cheerful of the Australian natives, sending up perfectly round golden drumstick flowers on long bare wiry stems. It is a favourite with florists because the heads hold their shape and colour for years once dried, and the bees work them steadily all summer. Sowing Surface sow the fine seed and press it down firmly without covering, as it needs light to germinate. Germination takes 14 to 21 days and can be uneven, so be patient with the tray. Space plants 20 to 30cm apart. Stems reach 40 to 60cm above a low grey-green rosette. When to Sow - Australian Climate Zones Cool & Mountain: September to December Temperate: August to November and March to April Subtropical: March to September Tropical: April to July (cooler, drier months) Arid & Semi-arid: March to May and August to October Care Grow in full sun in sharply drained soil. Like most natives it wants far less water and feeding than a garden flower, and it copes with heavy soil and brief winter wet, but not water sitting around the crown. Avoid fertilisers high in phosphorus, which many Australian natives resent. Once established it handles dry spells and light frost without fuss. Harvest Cut stems for the vase once the buttons are fully round and coloured but before any tiny florets open. For drying, cut at the same stage and hang the stems upside down in a dark airy spot, where they will hold their gold for years.
