Seed starting and care
Aurinia saxatilis seeds thrive in full sun and sharply drained, gritty or rocky soil that is lean to moderately fertile. Sow outdoors after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Alternatively, start under cover in trays, then harden off and transplant. Scatter thinly, press in and barely cover; keep evenly, lightly moist until germination, then water sparingly to avoid waterlogging. Allow space for the low, mat-forming plants to spread; follow packet spacing guidance. Avoid rich composts and heavy feeding. After flowering, a light shear helps maintain a tidy mound and can reduce self-seeding. Mulch with gravel rather than organic matter to protect crowns and preserve drainage.
- Sow after last frost outdoors; in mild climates also in autumn; or start under cover and transplant after hardening off.
- Provide full sun and well-drained, gritty or rocky soil; keep fertility lean to moderate.
- After flowering, shear lightly to keep compact; avoid rich feeds; use gravel mulch to sustain drainage.
- Suitable for containers and troughs with free-draining media.
- Flowers are visited by pollinating insects.
- Grown as an ornamental for its showy spring display and mat-forming habit.
How to grow Aurinia saxatilis from seed
Sow Aurinia saxatilis seeds on the surface of a free-draining, lean seed compost and press in gently; cover only with a dusting of fine grit or sand, as light aids germination. Keep evenly moist but never wet, with good air circulation. A bright, cool spot helps prevent leggy growth. Germination usually occurs in 1–3 weeks. Prick out seedlings while small into individual modules. Harden off gradually and plant out after the last frost into sun-drenched, sharply drained ground. Avoid rich feeds; this plant flowers best in modest, stony conditions.
When to sow basket-of-gold
Start seeds under cover late winter to early spring, then transplant outdoors after the last frost when the soil is warming. Alternatively, direct sow outdoors after the last frost into prepared, well-drained ground. In mild-winter climates, an autumn sowing is possible; seedlings will establish over the cool season and flower strongly the following spring. Wherever you sow, ensure the site drains freely over winter, as cold plus wet is the main hazard for this species.
Best soil for Aurinia saxatilis and how much sun it needs
Provide full sun and very well-drained soil that is lean to moderately fertile. Rocky, sandy, or gravelly substrates suit it perfectly, and a neutral to alkaline pH is ideal. In heavier soils, amend with coarse grit to improve drainage or plant on a slope, raised bed, or in a crevice between stones. Avoid waterlogged positions and high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can reduce flowering and make plants lank. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant but will resent prolonged winter wet.
Aurinia saxatilis spacing recommendations and rock garden groundcover use
This is a low, mat-forming perennial that spreads into sun-loving cushions, making an excellent rock garden groundcover, edging for gravel paths, and a spiller over walls. Space young plants so their mats can expand and meet without crowding; a general guide is to leave room for each plant to spread to at least twice its initial footprint. After flowering, lightly shear to maintain a compact dome and tidy spent blooms; this refreshes foliage and helps manage self-seeding if you prefer tighter drifts.
Direct sowing versus transplanting Aurinia saxatilis
Direct sowing is simple and good for naturalistic drifts, especially in gravelly areas where seedlings face little competition. However, in weedy beds or precise rock crevices, starting in modules and transplanting gives better placement and establishment. Transplant when seedlings are small to minimise root disturbance, and set them into dry, free-draining pockets. Both methods work; choose direct sowing for broad coverage and modules for accuracy and stronger early growth.
Does Aurinia saxatilis attract pollinators?
Yes. The bright, fragrant clusters of basket-of-gold are a valuable early-season resource for bees and other beneficial insects, offering accessible nectar and pollen when few plants are in bloom. Mass planting increases visibility and foraging efficiency, particularly in sunny, wind-sheltered spots. Allowing a few seedheads to mature can support light self-sowing, sustaining the display and the pollinator appeal over time.
This guidance is compiled from supplier information, in-house trials, and established horticultural references. It is general in nature and may require adjustment for local microclimate, soil texture, drainage, exposure, and temperature patterns (for example, frost timing). Timing is best guided by climate-based cues such as after the last frost or when soil is workable. Individual product pages include crop-specific instructions—covering sowing depth, spacing, and timing—providing the most precise details for that item.
Sowing and Care for Basket-of-Gold
Aurinia saxatilis seeds yield sun-loving, mat-forming perennials with a cascade of golden flowers, ideal for rock gardens, walls, and dry borders. Surface-sow under cover before the last frost or direct-sow after the last frost when soil is workable. Press seeds into a fine, well-drained, gritty mix; light aids germination. Keep evenly moist, not wet, until germination, which typically occurs in 10–21 days at moderate temperatures. Transplant or thin to 20–30 cm apart for good airflow and a compact habit. Choose full sun and poor to moderately fertile soils; excessive fertility can lead to floppy growth. Water sparingly once established; the plants are tolerant of dry spells, though steady moisture during establishment improves performance. Shear lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy cushion and encourage dense regrowth. Allow some spent blooms to remain if self-seeding is desired; deadhead to limit volunteers. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible; otherwise, sow after the last frost. Reference: SeedsChoice.
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