Tractor seat plants (Craspedia globosa) are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their unique, globe-shaped yellow flowers. They’re fairly hardy, but they do have some specific care needs to thrive in Melbourne’s climate. Here are some care tips to help them flourish:
Location & Sunlight
- **Sun Exposure**: Tractor seat plants love full sun. Ensure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- **Positioning**: They thrive in well-drained soil, so avoid areas that stay too wet or waterlogged, especially after Melbourne’s rainy seasons.
Soil
- They prefer **well-draining soil** with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adding some sand or organic matter like compost can improve drainage.
- Make sure the soil isn't too rich in nutrients, as they prefer more arid conditions.
Watering
- Water them **moderately**. Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant, but they’ll need consistent moisture while getting established. Ensure the soil is dry to the touch before watering again, and never let them sit in standing water.
- Water less during Melbourne's cooler months to prevent rot, especially if there’s a lot of rain.
Temperature
- Tractor seat plants do well in **Melbourne’s temperate climate**, but they can be a bit sensitive to extreme cold. While they are relatively frost-tolerant once established, a severe frost can damage the plant, especially if it’s young. You might want to consider **protecting them** with a frost cloth or covering during the coldest months (typically June-August).
Pruning & Maintenance
- **Deadheading** the spent flowers regularly will encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding too much.
- After flowering, you can cut back the plant by about a third to encourage healthy growth and a more compact shape.
