Plantable paper is a biodegradable eco-paper made with paper waste that is embedded with seeds. (No trees harmed for this paper!) When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, the seeds grow and the paper composts away. All that is left behind is flowers, herbs or vegetables, and no waste. It’s easy to plant and grow; check out these seed paper growing photos taken by our customers!

Certified B Corporation™ Botanical PaperWorks is both the manufacturer of plantable paper and the designer and printer of plantable paper products such as wedding invitations, seal and send wedding invitations, eco-friendly wedding favors, memorial products, baby shower invitations and so much more. All of the products are on this site so that you can browse and shop.

Does seed paper work?

Yes! Botanical PaperWorks seed paper is constantly tested to ensure high germination rates. Just like most seeds, you’ll need to properly care for seed paper when you plant it to get the best results. The good news is, it’s super easy!

Here are the top 3 things to do to make sure seed paper grows for you:

  1. Plant it under a very thin dusting of soil. (Only 1/8 of an inch.)
  2. Keep it moist during germination and ensure there is good drainage. Don’t let the water pool.
  3. Make sure it gets plenty of sunlight! Wildflowers love the sun.

See our full instructions below or watch a video on how to plant seed paper.

How to Plant the Paper

Supply List

1

Prepare your Pot

Fill your pot 2/3 full 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!).

2

Plant the Paper

Take your plantable paper and cover the soil in the prepared pot with the paper. It’s okay if the paper overlaps. Spread a 1/8 inch layer of soil over the plantable paper pieces and tamp down gently on top.

3

Water during Germination

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.

4

Care after Germination

Once sprouts appear, continue to keep the paper moist but be careful not to overwater. Once sturdy plants appear, water as needed. The images below are what the pot looks like after planting a greeting card.

Once the flowers (or herbs or vegetables) start to blossom, enjoy them in the pot or cut them and place in a decorative vase!

Plantable Seed Paper Types

Botanical PaperWorks plantable paper is typically embedded with wildflower seeds but other seed types such as herbs and veggies are also available.

Here are the seed types in the wildflower blend:

  • Bird’s Eye – Annual
  • Clarkia – Annual
  • Black Eyed Susan – Perennial
  • Catchfly – Annual
  • Snapdragon – Annual
  • Sweet Alyssum – Annual

Visit Seed Types & Blends to learn more about our other seed paper options including herb seed paper, veggie seed paper and our native species line.

Want to See Seed Paper Growing?

Take a look at this gallery of seed paper growing images including pictures shared from our customers who have had great success and see a few we’ve taken in our offices.

To buy sheets of plantable paper, please go to the seed paper product page. Bulk sheets of plantable paper are also available; please contact us for pricing.