Seeds & Growing – From Seed to Plant

Your complete guide to planting, nurturing and harvesting. From exotic tropical trees to carnivorous plants and kitchen herbs – here you'll find everything you need for successful seed growing.

Table of Contents

• Why Grow Plants from Seed?
• The Basics of Seed Growing
• Growing Exotic Trees from Seed
• Flowering Plants with a Wow Factor
• Bonsai from Seed — The Path to Miniature
• Carnivorous Plants
• Special Plants that Kids Love
• Herbs & Vegetables on the Balcony
• Plants for Cat Owners
• Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers
• Sowing Calendar for Switzerland
• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Grow Plants from Seed?

Few experiences are as fascinating as watching a tiny seed transform into a living plant. A single seed — often no bigger than a pinhead — contains the complete blueprint for a towering tree, a colourful flower or an aromatic herb. Once you witness this process for yourself, it changes the way you look at nature forever.

At the garden centre, you might find twenty tomato varieties. With seeds, you can choose from over two thousand. From ancient Baobab trees of the African savanna to Japanese maple trees that turn blood-red in autumn, to carnivorous plants that digest insects — the world of seeds opens up plant varieties you'll never find at any garden centre. Many of our seed sets with 52 different varieties contain rarities that surprise even experienced gardeners.

Growing plants from seed is also surprisingly affordable. A growing kit starts at just CHF 5.95 — and often includes multiple seeds plus substrate and instructions. The same plant as a finished specimen at the garden centre can easily cost CHF 30 to 50 or more. For exotic species like ginkgo or baobab, nursery prices get really steep.

But the real value isn't about money. Seed growing is a form of mindfulness that's become rare in our hectic world. You learn patience — some seeds take weeks or months to germinate. You learn observation — every day the seedling looks slightly different. And you experience a satisfaction that no online purchase can replace: I grew this myself.

For children, seed growing is one of the most powerful educational experiences around. They learn biology not from a book, but through hands-on experience. They understand responsibility because their plant wilts without water. And they feel the pride of saying: "I grew this banana palm from a seed." No wonder educators recommend plant growing as one of the most valuable projects for curious minds.

The Basics of Seed Growing

Before you put your first seed into the soil, you should understand the five fundamentals that determine success or failure. Don't worry — it's easier than you think. But getting a few things wrong can make the difference between a thriving seedling and a mouldy seed.

Substrate — The Right Soil for Every Seed

Not every soil is suitable for seed starting. Regular garden soil is too heavy, compacts easily and can harbour fungi or pests. For seed starting, you need a loose, well-draining substrate that retains moisture without creating waterlogging.

Coconut fibre pellets are the most practical solution for beginners. These compressed discs swell to five to seven times their volume with water and form a sterile, airy substrate. Most of our growing kits — from the banana tree growing kit to the organic pesto kit — already include these pellets. The advantage: no repotting stress during the critical germination phase, no mould risk from unsterile soil.

Seed starting mix from a specialist shop is the alternative: low in nutrients (so the roots have to search for food), finely structured and well-draining. Ideal for larger quantities or when you're starting many seeds at once.

Special substrates are only needed for a few plant species. Carnivorous plants like the purple pitcher plant need a nutrient-poor peat-sand mix. Cacti like the Fairy Castle cactus prefer mineral substrate with plenty of sand or perlite. The growing kits always include the right substrate — you don't have to figure it out yourself.

Light — Light Germinators vs. Dark Germinators

Here lies one of the most common beginner mistakes: many seeds are pressed too deep into the soil. There's a fundamental difference between light and dark germinators.

Light germinators need light on the seed surface to germinate. You place them ON the substrate and just press them down gently — don't cover them! Light germinators include basil, lavender, mimosa and many flowering plants. The rule of thumb: the smaller the seed, the more likely it's a light germinator.

Dark germinators need darkness and are covered with soil — as a rule of thumb, about as deep as the seed is thick. Dark germinators include peas, beans, sunflowers and most trees like Ginkgo Biloba or the Baobab.

Once the seedling appears, ALL plants need light — at least 6 hours daily. In Switzerland, a bright windowsill (south or west-facing) is sufficient between April and September. In winter, a simple grow light can help.

Temperature — Warmth is Key

Most seeds germinate at temperatures between 20 and 25 °C. That's normal room temperature — a windowsill above the radiator is ideal. Tropical species like banana tree, strelitzia or date palm prefer it warmer, around 25 to 28 °C.

In Switzerland, this can be a challenge during winter. Tips for the cold season:

• Use a windowsill above the radiator (but not directly on the heater — too hot!)
• A simple plant heating mat keeps the substrate consistently warm
• Covering with cling film or a mini greenhouse retains warmth and moisture
• Temperature fluctuations between day and night are normal and actually promote germination in many species

Note: some seeds need cold first before they germinate. This is called stratification — more on that in a moment.

Water — Moist, but Not Wet

Too much water is the number one killer in seed growing. The substrate should be evenly moist like a wrung-out sponge — not dripping wet, not bone dry.

The best method: spray bottle instead of watering can. This distributes moisture evenly without washing away the seed or compacting the substrate. Spray in the morning so the substrate can dry slightly during the day — permanent wetness overnight promotes mould.

An important special case: Carnivorous plants cannot tolerate tap water. The lime and minerals are poison to them. Use exclusively rainwater, distilled water or water from a dehumidifier. This rule applies for the entire life of the plant — not just during seed starting.

Stratification Explained — Cold as a Germination Aid

Stratification sounds complicated but is actually quite simple: some seeds from temperate climates have a built-in "winter lock." In nature, they fall to the ground in autumn, survive the winter in cold conditions and only germinate in spring. Without this cold period, they stay dormant — no matter how warm and moist you keep them.

Here's how to do it at home: wrap the seeds in moist kitchen paper, put them in a zip-lock bag and place them in the fridge for 4 to 8 weeks (not the freezer!). The temperature should be between 2 and 5 °C. After that, you can sow them as normal.

Seeds that need stratification:

• Red Maple — 8 to 12 weeks
• Bonsai Pine — 4 to 6 weeks
• Lavender — 2 to 4 weeks (optional, but significantly speeds up germination)
• Ginkgo Biloba — 6 to 8 weeks

Seeds that do NOT need stratification: most tropical species (banana, date palm, strelitzia, baobab). They don't experience winter in their natural habitat.

Growing Exotic Trees from Seed

Growing a tree from seed is one of the most fascinating experiences in plant cultivation. You hold a tiny seed in your hand — and know that it can become a giant that outlasts generations. In Switzerland, a surprising number of exotic tree species can be kept as houseplants or in pots on the balcony.

Baobab — The Tree of Life

The Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is one of the most iconic trees in the world. In Africa, it's called the "Tree of Life" because it stores thousands of litres of water in its massive trunk and can live up to 2,000 years. The trunk can reach a diameter of over 10 metres.

Growing it is surprisingly easy: the hard seed coat is scored or soaked overnight in warm water (scarification). At 25 to 30 °C, the baobab germinates within 1 to 3 weeks. In Switzerland, it's kept as a houseplant or container plant — it develops its characteristically thick trunk even as a young plant. In summer it can go outdoors, in winter it needs a bright, cool spot (at least 10 °C).

Banana Tree — Tropical Flair on Your Windowsill

Banana plants grow faster than most people expect. From banana tree seeds from the Ivory Coast, a stately plant with large, decorative leaves can develop within a few months. If you prefer an easy start, go for the banana tree growing kit "Ich hab gut lachen" with everything included — coconut fibre pellet and instructions.

Banana seeds have a hard shell and benefit from scarification: carefully score the shell with a nail file and then soak the seed for 24 to 48 hours in lukewarm water. Sow at 25 to 30 °C, germination takes 2 to 8 weeks. Banana plants love warmth, plenty of light and regular watering — but no waterlogging. In Switzerland, a fantastic houseplant that quickly becomes an eye-catcher.

Ginkgo Biloba — 250 Million Years of History

The Ginkgo Biloba is a living fossil: the species has existed for over 250 million years, practically unchanged. It survived the dinosaurs and even withstood the atomic bomb at Hiroshima — six ginkgo trees near the blast sprouted again the following spring.

Growing it requires some patience. The seed is stratified (6 to 8 weeks in the fridge in moist sand) and then sown at 20 to 22 °C. Germination can take 4 to 8 weeks. Ginkgos are winter-hardy in Switzerland and make excellent garden trees — in autumn, the fan-shaped leaves turn a luminous golden yellow. A tree that could still be standing a thousand years from now.

Date Palm — A Touch of the Orient

The Canary Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is one of the most elegant palms for Swiss conditions. On the Canary Islands, it grows up to 20 metres tall — as a container plant, it stays manageable but still develops the typical feathered fronds.

Date palm seeds germinate reliably at 25 to 30 °C within 2 to 6 weeks. Soaking for 48 hours speeds up the process. The young palm grows slowly at first and initially produces only narrow leaves — the characteristic feathered fronds appear after 2 to 3 years. In summer it can go on the balcony (it loves direct sun), in winter it should overwinter in a bright spot at 5 to 15 °C.

Fig Tree — Mediterranean Delights from Seed

Growing a fig tree from seed brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Switzerland. Figs are among the oldest cultivated plants in human history — they were already being grown in the Jordan Valley over 11,000 years ago.

The tiny seeds germinate in warmth (22 to 25 °C) and light within 2 to 4 weeks. Fig trees grow quickly and can even survive outdoors in sheltered locations in Switzerland (Ticino, Lake Geneva region, urban microclimates). As container plants on the terrace, they develop beautifully — place them in a frost-free, cool spot in winter (0 to 10 °C). It takes about 3 to 5 years from seed to first fruit, but the decorative leaves alone are worth the effort.

Flowering Plants with a Wow Factor

Some plants don't captivate through their size, but through their blooms. The following species bring spectacular colours and shapes into your home — and all of them can be grown from seed.

Lotus Flowers — Sacred Beauty from the Water

The lotus flower is one of the most fascinating plants of all. Its blooms open flawlessly above muddy water — in Asian cultures, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. The so-called "lotus effect" (water beads off in perfect droplets) has even been replicated in nanotechnology.

Lotus seeds are remarkably long-lived: seeds that had lain in the ground for over 1,000 years still germinated successfully. For growing, the hard shell is sanded down (until the lighter interior is visible) and the seed is then placed in warm water. Within a few days, the seedling breaks through. Our lotus seeds are perfect for windowsill growing in a bowl of water. If you prefer it even simpler, go for the complete lotus flower growing kit with instructions, substrate and bowl.

Strelitzia — The Bird of Paradise Flower

The Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae) has one of the most spectacular blooms in the plant kingdom: orange and violet in the shape of an exotic bird's head. No wonder it's called the "Bird of Paradise flower."

The seeds have an orange hair tuft that attracts birds in nature. For growing, you remove this and soak the seed for 24 to 48 hours in lukewarm water. Germination at 25 to 28 °C in 4 to 12 weeks — patience is key here. It takes 4 to 6 years from seed to first bloom, but the large, banana-like leaves make the strelitzia an impressive houseplant even as a young plant.

Lavender from Provence

The scent of lavender from Provence instantly evokes a holiday mood. Lavender is one of the most rewarding plants for Swiss balconies and gardens: drought-resistant, bee-friendly and wonderfully fragrant.

Lavender seeds are light germinators — just scatter them on the substrate and press down, don't cover with soil. Optional stratification (2 to 4 weeks in the fridge) significantly improves the germination rate. At 18 to 22 °C, seeds germinate in 14 to 28 days. Lavender loves poor, well-drained soil and full sun — a south-facing balcony is ideal. In Switzerland, most lavender varieties are winter-hardy down to minus 15 °C.

Bonsai from Seed — The Path to Miniature

Growing bonsai from seed is the purest form of this millennia-old art. In Japan, it's called "Misho" — literally "born from seed." The advantage: you shape the tree from the very beginning, every twist, every branch bears your signature. The downside: it takes years. But that's exactly the point — bonsai isn't a shortcut, it's a journey.

Japanese Red Maple

The Red Maple (Acer palmatum) is one of the most popular bonsai trees worldwide. The deeply lobed leaves turn spectacular red in autumn — a miniature maple tree in full autumn splendour on your windowsill is a breathtaking sight.

Maple seeds need stratification: 8 to 12 weeks in moist sand in the fridge. After the cold treatment, they germinate at 15 to 20 °C within 2 to 4 weeks. From the second year, you can begin shaping — careful wiring of branches and targeted pruning. In Switzerland, the maple is winter-hardy but should be protected from severe frost as a bonsai (unheated greenhouse or garage).

Bonsai Pine

The Bonsai Pine (Pinus pinea) with its long, soft needles and picturesque umbrella shape is reminiscent of Mediterranean landscapes. Pine bonsai become more beautiful with age — the bark becomes cracked and develops character.

The seeds are stratified (4 to 6 weeks) and then sown at 18 to 22 °C. Germination in 2 to 6 weeks. Pines grow slowly as bonsai and are easy to shape. They like full sun and tolerate drought better than too much moisture. Winter-hardy in Switzerland, but protect from freezing solid when in a bonsai pot.

For a quicker start in the bonsai world, there are also complete growing kits from Grow Buddha that include seeds, substrate, pots and detailed instructions — ideal if you want to start several bonsai species at once.

Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants fascinate like hardly any other plant group. They evolved in nutrient-poor soils and solve the nitrogen problem in spectacular fashion: they catch and digest insects.

Purple Pitcher Plant — The Elegant Hunter

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is the ideal entry point into the world of carnivorous plants. Its pitchers in deep purple and green are not only beautiful — they're deadly traps. Insects are lured by nectar, slip on the smooth inner surface and are digested in the liquid at the bottom.

Growing requires patience: the tiny seeds are scattered on moist peat-sand mix (light germinator!) and need prior stratification of 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge. At 20 to 25 °C, they germinate in 4 to 8 weeks — sometimes longer. The most important rule for their entire lifespan: Only use rainwater or distilled water. Tap water with its minerals slowly kills carnivorous plants. Fertilising is also forbidden — the plant gets its nutrients on its own.

The good news for Swiss gardeners: the purple pitcher plant is surprisingly winter-hardy. In its native habitat (eastern Canada, northeastern USA), it withstands temperatures down to minus 30 °C. In Switzerland, it can stay outdoors year-round — in a bog bed or in a pot with a saucer that always contains some water. A mosquito catcher on the balcony that also looks fantastic.

Special Plants that Kids Love

Plants that move, react to music or "produce" cotton — there are species that amaze every child. Here are the best plants to inspire little (and big) nature explorers.

Mimosa — The Plant that Moves

The Mimosa (Mimosa pudica) is the perfect "first plant" for children. Touch its delicate, feathery leaves and they fold up within seconds, while the leaf stems droop. A few minutes later, they open again. This phenomenon (seismonasty) endlessly fascinates children — and honestly, adults too.

The seeds germinate quickly and reliably at 20 to 25 °C in just 5 to 14 days. Soaking for 24 hours speeds up the process. The mimosa grows fast and shows its touch reaction after just a few weeks. As a tropical plant, it loves warmth and humidity — a bright bathroom is the ideal location. In summer, it can go outdoors.

Dancing Plant — Reacts to Music

The Dancing Plant (Codariocalyx motorius) is one of the greatest wonders in the plant kingdom. Its small side leaflets move in a rhythmic circular motion — visible in real time, no time-lapse needed. Loud music or singing directly at it speeds up the movement. Charles Darwin was so fascinated by this plant that he dedicated an entire chapter to it in "The Power of Movement in Plants."

The seeds need scarification (score the shell) and soaking (24 to 48 hours). At 25 to 30 °C, they germinate in 1 to 4 weeks. The plants only show the typical dancing movements once they're big enough — roughly from 3 to 4 weeks after germination. An absolute wow effect for birthday parties or school projects.

Cotton — Where Do Our T-Shirts Come From?

Children wear cotton every day without knowing where it comes from. With Louisiana cotton seeds, you can change that. The plant first produces pretty flowers (white first, then pink), from which the typical cotton bolls develop. When the bolls open, white, soft fibres spill out — real cotton you can touch.

Growing succeeds at 20 to 25 °C in 7 to 14 days. Cotton loves warmth and sun, ideal in Switzerland as a summer plant on the balcony (May to September). The educational value is enormous: children suddenly understand why sustainable fashion matters when they see how labour-intensive it is to produce even a handful of cotton fibres.

Fairy Castle Cactus — The Living Castle

The Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus) delights with its columnar shoots that grow upward like the towers of a fairy-tale castle. Perfect for children who want a low-maintenance, indestructible plant.

Cactus seeds are tiny and germinate at 20 to 25 °C in 2 to 6 weeks. Light germinator — just scatter on top! Water sparingly (almost not at all in winter), lots of sun, mineral substrate. A Fairy Castle cactus is practically indestructible, making it ideal for children's rooms.

Herbs & Vegetables on the Balcony

Not all seeds become houseplants. Some become a meal — and there are few things as satisfying as eating herbs and vegetables that you grew yourself.

Grow Your Own Organic Pesto

The organic pesto growing kit contains everything you need for fresh basil — the base for homemade pesto. Basil is a rewarding light germinator: scatter seeds on moist substrate, at 20 to 25 °C they germinate in 5 to 10 days. After just a few weeks, you can harvest the first leaves.

Swiss balcony tip: basil loves warmth and can't tolerate cold below 10 °C. Don't put it outside until mid-May! Regularly harvest the shoot tips — this promotes bushy growth and prevents early flowering. A pot on the kitchen windowsill delivers fresh herbs from June to October at zero cost.

Balcony Vegetable Garden

The balcony vegetable garden seed set proves that you don't need a garden to grow vegetables. Even on the smallest Swiss balcony, you can grow tomatoes, lettuce, radishes and herbs — all in pots and window boxes.

The most important tips for a Swiss balcony garden:

• South-facing balcony: Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, basil — everything that loves warmth
• West/east-facing balcony: Perfect for lettuce, radishes, herbs — they don't like blazing midday sun
• North-facing balcony: Limited, but chives, parsley and mint grow here too
• Mind the Ice Saints: In Switzerland, put things outside from mid-May (after the Ice Saints, 11 to 15 May) — late frosts can occur before then
• Big enough containers: Tomatoes need at least 20 litres per plant

For keen gardeners who want to sow all year round, the 52 seed packets for garden lovers offer impressive variety: sow a new variety every week, from herbs to flowers to vegetables.

Plants for Cat Owners

If you have cats, you know: they nibble on everything green. The problem — many popular houseplants are toxic to cats. Lilies, ivy, philodendron, poinsettias — the list is frighteningly long. The solution: specifically grow plants that are safe for your cat.

12 Safe Plants for Your Cat

The seed set "12 Plants for My Cat" contains exclusively cat-safe species. From cat grass to valerian to catnip — everything your cat can safely nibble on. Some of the included plants even have positive effects: cat grass helps with coughing up hairballs, valerian and catnip stimulate playfulness.

Why do cats eat plants? Cats are obligate carnivores but occasionally need plant fibre for digestion. In nature, they eat grass — indoors, they take whatever they can get. By offering safe plants, you protect both your cat and your houseplants at the same time.

Cat Herb Set

The cat herb growing kit focuses on the herbs cats love most. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the star: about 70% of all cats react euphorically to it — they roll in it, rub against it and are blissfully relaxed afterwards. The best part: the herbs can be grown year-round on the windowsill and need minimal care.

Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers

Plant growing kits are among the most original gifts around. They're personal (someone grows "your" plant), sustainable (not a throwaway product), educational and surprising. Whether for a birthday, as a hostess gift or for Christmas — here are our most popular gift ideas.

The Capybara seed grower is an adorable ceramic capybara from whose back grass or herbs grow. An eye-catcher on any desk and a guaranteed conversation starter. Perfect for animal lovers and anyone looking for something truly unusual.

The Christmas tree growing kit is the ultimate Christmas gift: grow your own Christmas tree from a seed. It'll take a few years before it's living-room-ready — but that's exactly the charm. A living gift that grows a little more each year.

The tea flower garden growing kit combines gardening with enjoyment: grow your own tea herbs and flowers and create your own personal tea blend. Ideal for tea lovers and anyone who enjoys giving something homemade.

The lotus flower growing kit is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates meditation, mindfulness or Asian culture. Growing the sacred lotus flower from your own seed has something deeply meditative about it.

The 52 seed packets for garden lovers is a gift that brings joy for an entire year: open a new packet each week, sow it and watch it grow. Perfect for passionate gardeners who already have everything.

The birthday set "10 Little Pot Monsters" is the hit for children's birthday parties: each child gets their own little monster pot with seeds to plant. An activity that's fun and doubles as a party favour that keeps on living.

Sowing Calendar for Switzerland

When you should sow depends on whether you're starting seeds indoors or sowing directly outside. The following calendar applies to the Swiss Plateau region (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne). In Ticino, you can start about 2 to 3 weeks earlier; at higher altitudes, correspondingly later. Houseplants and tropical species can be sown year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with seed growing. Here are the most common ones — and how to avoid them.

1. Too much water (the number one killer)

More seeds and seedlings drown than die of thirst. The substrate should be moist, not wet. If you press with your finger and water comes out, it's too much. Use a spray bottle, not a watering can. And always ensure drainage holes in the container — waterlogging is fatal.

2. Wrong temperature

A cold windowsill in a Swiss old-build flat might only be 12 °C at night — far too cold for tropical seeds. Measure the temperature with a simple thermometer right at the pot, not in the middle of the room. The solution: a heating mat, or move the pot away from the windowsill onto a table at night.

3. No patience

Some seeds germinate in a week, others take months. Strelitzias can take 4 to 12 weeks. Bonsai seeds often even longer. Don't throw the pot away just because nothing's happened after 3 weeks. As long as the seed isn't mouldy, it still has a chance.

4. Forgetting stratification

You put Red Maple in soil at room temperature and wait. And wait. And wait. Nothing happens — because the seed needs its cold period. Always read the instructions or research whether your seed needs stratification. Our growing kits always include all the necessary information.

5. Tap water for carnivorous plants

This mistake is particularly tragic because it's not immediately visible. The plant dies slowly over weeks. Pitcher plants, sundews and Venus flytraps need mineral-poor water — exclusively. In Switzerland, the tap water is particularly high in lime (especially in the Plateau region). Collect rainwater or buy distilled water from the chemist.

6. Covering light germinators with soil

Basil, lavender, mimosas and many flower seeds are light germinators. If you cover them with a layer of soil, they won't germinate — even if temperature and moisture are perfect. The rule of thumb: small seeds = light germinator (just press down). Large seeds = dark germinator (cover with soil, as deep as the seed is big).

7. Putting them outside too early

In Switzerland, the Ice Saints (11 to 15 May) are the magic deadline. Before then, there can still be frost — and a single frosty night can destroy weeks of work. Tropical species like banana plants should only go outside when night temperatures reliably stay above 10 °C.

8. No hardening off

Plants that have stood in a warm room for months suffer shock when suddenly placed in full sun and wind. Harden them off over 7 to 10 days gradually: first shade, then partial shade, then sun. First just the afternoon, then the whole day. This way they adjust to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and wind.