Everything you need to know about seedpaper

What is seed paper?

The paper that you have in your hands is not just regular paper. Seed paper is made from recycled material, so no trees have to be chopped down. The paper contains seeds, that start germinate as soon as the paper is planted in moistured soil. There are different seeds, such as summer flowers, poppy and basil. Are you interested in knowing when to plant which seeds? Check out our calendar for sowing seed paper.

Seed paper 120 gsm and 200 gsm

We have two types: the 120 gsm and 200 gsm paper. The 120 gsm paper consists of two thin layers of paper with seeds of flowers or herbs in between, and the 200 gsm paper is handmade with the seeds already in it. Because this paper is handmade, the thickness may differ slightly. Both types of seed paper are available in various sizes and shapes. You can also choose between different seeds. 

How does seed paper work?

Growing paper is made in such a way that when it is planted in soil, the paper composts under the right conditions and the seeds start to germinate. Of course we want to achieve that, but how do you ensure the best results? We'll provide you with an extremely simple step-by-step plan that would spontaneously turn your hands green.

STEP 1: PREPARE

First up, filling a pot up for 2/3 with good potting soil. Tamp down the soil and add more if necessary. You want the pot to be firmly full, but not packed. The paper can be planted indoors or outside, so you get to choose according to the temperature and conditions at the time of planting (we don't recommend planting outside if it's blizzarding or desert-hot!).

STEP 2: PLANT

Take your plantable paper and cover the soil in the prepared pot with the paper. It's okay if the paper overlaps. Make sure to wet the paper. Spread a 1/8 inch layer of soil over the plantable paper pieces and tamp down gently.

STEP 3: WATER

After planting the paper in your pot, give it a good soak. You want the paper and the soil to be nicely damp but not swimming in water. During the first 10 days, keep the paper moist at all times. The water is necessary for germination, because the seeds first have to detach themselves properly from the paper and the paper must largely perish before they sprout. A sunny corner in the house (or outside) certainly helps!

STEP 4: LET IT GROW

Once sprouts appear, continue to keep the paper moist but be careful not to overwater. Once sturdy plants appear, water as needed.

STEP 5: ENJOY!

Once the flowers (or herbs or vegetables) start to blossom, enjoy them in the pot or cut them and place in a decorative vase. In any case, it is a pleasure to enjoy such a beautiful and sustainable remnant of a message on growing paper!

What if the seeds do not germinate?

Although we only allow inkjet printers to print on growing paper and do everything we can to keep the conditions for the growing paper as optimal as possible, there is always a possibility that the seeds do not germinate as expected. This can have a number of reasons, but you must realise that these seeds have endured more than if they came from a seed bag. They remain living goods that you have to handle with care. Possible causes could be that you did not keep the earth well wet until germination, or you may have used old soil that is not rich in nutrients. Furthermore, planting in winter or early spring is never recommended; for example, if you have received a seed paper Christmas card, it is best to wait until the summer with planting the paper.

Having given all these tips and tricks, we can hardly imagine that it will go wrong. If you treat the growing paper with love, they will give love back in flowers!