Astrantia major - Great Masterwort

Sow Greater Masterwort from February to July in a seed tray. Use good quality soil. Sow your seeds by broadcasting them. Cover the seeds by sprinkling soil or vermiculite on top, lightly press down and water generously with a fine mist. Place your seed tray in a well-lit area, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) for 2 weeks. Then place your seed tray in the bottom of the fridge at 5-6°C (41-42.8°F) for 6 weeks. Before the end of this period, if you see the seeds germinate, take the tray out of the fridge and place it back at 15-18°C (59-64.4°F), otherwise wait until the end of the 6-week fridge period to take them out.

The seeds will take 4 to 5 weeks to germinate. As soon as the plants are manageable, transplant them into 7cm (3in) pots. Then, 15 days before their final placement, start gradually acclimatizing them to a temperature of 10°C (50°F).

By the end of May or early June, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to plant your young plants. Choose a shaded location. Add a good handful of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 30 cm (12in) apart.

Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain beauty and promote renewal.