Tim's Proteas - Using Seaperia seaweed to grow unusual plants

Many thanks to Tim, a commercial Protea grower near Cootamundra, NSW, for sending in this article.

Nearly 2 years ago I was seeking a product that might add vitality to my Protea plants while considering all the necessary restraints that accompany the specific nutrient likes and dislikes that fussy proteas require. 

At that time I was ignorant of the symbiotic relationship between soils and the plants  but I knew enough to know sugars in the cells of my Protea were essential for vigorous growth and ultimately full and abundant flowers. 

After a quick internet search I read some interesting short articles from the Seaperia website and decided to make a phone call to seek some answers to some lingering questions. 
Little did I know Grahame would be so passionate to discuss the benefits of Seaperia and I was convinced enough after about an hour of conversation, to order a 4kg pack of the good stuff.

I thanked Graham for his time and he said that he might head back to having his afternoon nap. I think he mentioned he was in his 80’s at the time! (note by Liz: Grahame was born in 1939 so you can do the maths).

That was nearly 2 years ago and I have been spraying my Protea at the start of every month since my pack of Seaperia arrived.

I couldn’t believe that only 10 teaspoons are needed for 100ltrs which means a full spray session for my plants is about 15 teaspoons.

It was going to be a while before I used all 4kg of the precious North Atlantic seaweed but with the convenience of a snap lock bag I have been able to store the product without any risk of spoiling. 

I particularly love the fact that as I spray from the front seat of my buggy I’m not concerned about spray drift onto my skin. In fact I’m probably benefiting from the extra conditioning for my face!

All in all I’m convinced that using Seaperia on my Protea crop has proven to be beneficial resulting in an abundant harvest of flowers this year. I feel that the plants are looking healthy and the flowers are setting well in their bloom.

With stronger plant cell structure their ability to withstand extreme heat during summer and frosts over winter has noticeably improved with far less damage than previous years.

I’m definitely a big fan of Seaperia for my Protea and love the help and advice provided by Liz and Grahame on the occasion that I have emailed through some questions.