Our Plantable Wildflower Seed Paper

Our Plantable Seed Paper - Freshly Made Every Month, Tested Every Batch

Our seed paper starts life as cotton textile offcuts that would otherwise go to waste. They're transformed into pulp, mixed with fresh live wildflower seeds, and turned into something beautiful - stationery that grows.

This is our complete guide to our seed paper - how it's made, how to grow it and exactly what to expect. Please note that not all seed paper is the same. Quality, seed quantity, germination rate and paper weight vary significantly between suppliers. The information in this guide relates to our exclusive paper only and the results we've achieved with it over five years of continuous testing. We can't speak for other seed papers on the market — only our own.

What Is Seed Paper?

Our seed paper is made from recycled cotton pulp embedded with live wildflower seeds. Instead of throwing it away after use, it can be planted directly into soil and grown into wildflowers. It's fully biodegradable, plastic-free and leaves nothing behind but flowers.
For businesses and couples looking to reduce their environmental impact, plantable seed paper stationery is one of the most meaningful switches you can make - your stationery works twice. First as a beautiful, functional product. Then as a wildflower garden.

What Makes Our Seed Paper Different?

Before we started the business, we tested seed papers sourced from across the UK and overseas. Most didn't meet our standards - too thin, too few seeds, poor germination rates or inconsistent quality batch to batch. Not all seed paper is created equal and the difference in quality between suppliers can be significant.
In 2020 we found our paper. And we haven't changed it since.
Our wildflower seed paper is made exclusively for A La KArt Creations by a UK papermill. 

Here's what makes it stand out and how it's made:

Paper thickness catered for each stationery type - business cards, greeting card thicker paper, labels thinner ones
Embedded with 20 different native UK wildflower seeds
Made from 100% recycled cotton textile offcuts - waste that would otherwise be discarded by the textile industry
Made fresh to order in small batches - never old stock sitting in a warehouse
Naturally air dried to protect germination rate - never heat treated
Every sheet individually checked before use
Anything that doesn't make the cut gets shredded into wildflower packaging filler - nothing goes to waste

This seed paper comes directly from the UK producer to us, fresh - which also means a lower carbon footprint than paper shipped from overseas.

Does Our Seed Paper Actually Grow?

Yes - when planted correctly, our paper absolutely grows. We've been testing our seed paper for over five years and test every new batch before it goes into production. Without fail, we get beautiful wildflowers every time.
We share our germination results openly on social media so you can see the results for yourself - not just our word for it, but real growth documented in real time. Take a look at what our customers have grown in our gallery too. From tiny sprouts on a windowsill to full wildflower gardens in bloom, the results speak for themselves.
We want to be transparent - seeds are living things and germination always depends on the conditions you provide. With our paper, under the right conditions, you can expect reliable, consistent results. We can't make the same claim for other seed papers on the market, as quality and seed quantity vary greatly between suppliers.

What Will Grow From Our Seed Paper?

We get asked regularly whether you can pick and choose which seeds go into the paper - the short answer is no, and here's why that's actually a good thing.
Our seed paper contains a carefully selected mix of 20 native UK wildflower varieties. The mix is supplied as a blend - seeds cannot be separated out or individually selected. This is actually one of our favourite things about it.
Rather than one single flower, you get a succession of different wildflowers blooming from May through to the end of July. As one variety finishes flowering, another begins - giving you weeks of continuous colour, variety and interest rather than a single short burst of bloom. Expect to see marigold, blue cornflower, poppies, forget me nots, chamomile, birds foot trefoil and more - just to name a few.
The mix is specifically chosen to support bees, butterflies and pollinators - native varieties that British wildlife depends on. Every piece of our stationery you plant becomes a small act of support for the ecosystem around you.

How To Plant Our Seed Paper

These instructions are written specifically for our seed paper. Results may differ with other seed paper products.
Plant indoors any time of year.

  1. Tear your seed paper small chunks and soak in water for a few seconds
  2. Fill a pot almost to the top with good potting soil
  3. Place the soaked paper on top and cover with approximately 1cm of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged
  4. Place in the sunniest spot you have - a south facing windowsill is ideal
  5. Watch for shoots - with our paper, germination typically begins within days
    Once roots are established, move outside in spring or autumn

Can I Plant Our Seed Paper Outside?

Yes - but we recommend starting indoors first, particularly in the UK where weather can be unpredictable. Once your seedlings are established and roots are strong, transplant outside in spring or autumn for the best results. Avoid planting outside during frost, extreme cold or very hot dry spells.
The wildflowers in our seed mix are native UK varieties, so once established outside they are well suited to the British climate and will thrive in a garden bed, window box or large planter.

How Long Does Our Seed Paper Take To Sprout?

With our seed paper, under the right conditions - moist soil, warmth and plenty of light - you can expect to see the first sprouts within days. Some of the 20 wildflower varieties in our mix germinate faster than others, so don't be alarmed if you see some sprouts appear before others. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm and the rest will follow.
We cannot speak for the germination timelines of other seed papers - results vary greatly depending on the quality of the paper and the freshness of the seeds used.

How Long Does Our Seed Paper Last?

For the best germination results with our paper we recommend planting within 18 months of receiving your order. Seeds are living things and their germination rate naturally declines over time. If you need to store your seed paper before planting, keep it somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight to preserve the seeds for as long as possible.

Can You Write On Our Seed Paper?

Yes - most standard writing instruments work well on our seed paper including ballpoint pens, rollerball pens and fine liners. The natural texture of seed paper feels different to write on compared to conventional paper, so we recommend testing your pen on a small piece first. Avoid calligraphy pens and marker pens as these don't work well on the surface and will bleed into the paper.
Some of our customers have also painted on it successfully - if this is something you'd like to do please let us know in advance as you'll need a slightly thicker paper weight for the best results.

Is Our Seed Paper Safe To Plant?

Absolutely. Our seed paper is made from natural cotton pulp and native UK wildflower seeds - no harmful chemicals, no toxins. We use water-based, eco-friendly inks for all printing, chosen specifically to reduce environmental impact and safe for soil and planting. When the paper decomposes it breaks down naturally into organic matter that enriches the soil rather than harming it.

Why Hasn't My Seed Paper Grown?

If you're using our seed paper and haven't seen results yet, don't panic. Here are the most common reasons and how to fix them:

  • Not soaked before planting - soaking our paper before planting is essential. The moisture activates the seeds and softens the paper so roots can push through easily.
  • Not enough water - our seeds need consistently moist soil during germination. Check daily and water lightly if the soil feels dry. Never let it dry out completely in the first few weeks.
  • Not enough light - our wildflower seeds need as much natural light as possible. A south facing windowsill is ideal. Avoid dark corners or rooms with limited natural light.
  • Too cold - seeds germinate best in warm conditions. Avoid cold windowsills in winter or draughty spots.
  • Planted too deep - our seed paper only needs approximately 1cm of soil on top. Too much soil creates a barrier the seedlings struggle to push through.
  • Give it more time - some of the 20 varieties in our mix take longer than others. If you don't see results in the first two weeks keep going - patience is key with wildflowers.

If you've tried everything and are still struggling please get in touch. We're always happy to help troubleshoot and we want every single customer to have a positive growing experience with our paper.
Please note - if you have purchased seed paper from another supplier and are experiencing issues, we are unable to advise as we have no knowledge of how other papers are made, tested or stored.

What About Ink Coverage?

All printing on our seed paper is carried out in-house using water-based eco-friendly inks. To protect the germination of our seeds we recommend a maximum of 40% ink coverage on plantable designs. Heavy ink coverage - such as a full background colour - can create a barrier that affects the seeds' ability to grow.
Every design we create for our customers is made with this in mind. We allow the natural texture and quality of our seed paper to remain visible, and we will always advise you if your design risks affecting germination before anything is printed.

Responsible Production

Everything about the way we produce our seed paper is designed to minimise environmental impact:

Made from recycled cotton textile offcuts - waste repurposed, not created
Produced in small batches by a UK papermill - no unnecessary overseas shipping
Naturally air dried - no heat treatment that could harm seeds or increase energy use
Made to order - no surplus stock, no overproduction
Offcuts and substandard sheets shredded into wildflower packaging filler - zero waste
All printing done in-house - only produced when required
All packaging recyclable and biodegradable
Orders dispatched within the UK - reduced carbon footprint vs international supply chains

Samples & Test Prints

Not sure if our seed paper is right for your project? We can arrange samples for a small fee, or create a test print and send you photos before you commit to a full order. We want you to feel completely confident before purchasing - and we're happy to answer any questions before you place your order.

Get in touch via live chat, email or phone - we'll get back to you within hours.
hello@alakartcreations.co.uk
07427631015

Ready To Make Your Stationery Work Harder?

Whether you're a business looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional stationery, a couple planning a sustainable wedding, or a shop looking to stock something genuinely different - our plantable seed paper products are made for you.
Explore our full range of plantable seed paper business stationery, eco-friendly wedding stationery and wildflower greeting cards - all handmade in Kent, all grown with care.