Ptilotus Matilda is a striking Australian native cut flower, naturally adapted to the dry, semi-desert regions of Western Australia.
Plant spacing 15–20 cm apart. Plant density 25–35 plants/m² Closer spacing can be used where appropriate for your production system, but sufficient airflow should always be maintained.
Growing media pH 5.5–6.5
Typical stem length 50–80 cm
Transplant to flowering Approx. 12–20 weeks
Expected usable yield 100–115+ stems/m²
Best growing conditions Full light, excellent drainage & good airflow
1. Receiving Your Plugs
Your Ptilotus Matilda plugs have been grown to establish a strong root system and should be transplanted promptly after arrival.
When planting:
Handle plugs carefully by the root ball, rather than pulling on the plant.
Plant into a well-drained, porous growing medium.
Make sure the root ball is not buried deeper than it was in the plug.
The top of the plug should sit level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after transplanting to help settle the roots into the new growing medium.
2. Soil & Growing Medium
Good drainage is one of the most important requirements for Ptilotus Matilda.
Ptilotus develops a deep root system, and strong root development is closely related to longer stems and better crop performance.
Avoid heavy, compacted or poorly drained soil
3. Feeding
Begin fertilising approximately one week after transplanting, once the plants have started establishing.
Like most natives - A relatively low-phosphorus fertiliser is recommended.
A useful target ratio is approximately:
N-P-K: 1–0.2–1.5
4. Supporting the Crop
Ptilotus Matilda produces long flower stems and may require support as the crop develops.
Support should be installed before the stems become difficult to manage.
5. Stem Selection
One of the advantages of Ptilotus Matilda is that growers can influence the type of stems produced through early stem selection.
Begin selection approximately: 4–6 weeks after transplanting
For longer stems and larger plumes, additional lower branching can be removed approximately 3–4 weeks after the initial selection
Removing additional side branching directs more energy into fewer, larger and longer stems.
6. Flowering & Crop Time
From transplanting a healthy seedling plug into the production bed, flowering generally takes approximately:
12–20 weeks
The exact timing will vary depending on:
Temperature
Light levels
Plant size at transplant
Growing conditions
Crop management
Under suitable conditions, the total crop can produce approximately 2.5–3.5 rotations per year.
The Keys to Growing Great Ptilotus Matilda
🌱 Plant at the correct depth
Keep the plug level with the surrounding soil. Do not bury the crown. Ptilotus Matilda is particularly sensitive to being planted too deeply.
💧 Don't overwater once established.
Ptilotus Matilda prefers to be grown on the drier side rather than in constantly wet soil. Allow the top 5–10 cm of soil to dry between irrigation.
🌿 Give the roots room
Deep, well-drained soil produces stronger plants and longer stems.
☀️ Provide plenty of light
High light levels encourage branching and larger plumes.
🌡️ Keep temperatures warm Night temperatures below 14°C may reduce stem length and increase the time to flowering.
✂️ Select your stems
Early stem selection helps produce longer, stronger and more valuable flowers.
🌬️ Maintain good airflow
Good ventilation and careful irrigation help prevent disease.
🌸 Harvest at the right stage
Cut when the main plume is approximately ½–¾ open for the best balance of appearance and vase life.
Ptilotus Matilda is a rewarding crop when its natural preference for deep, dry, well-drained growing conditions is respected.
