How to make a plantable card?

Giving a seed card is a highly original, fun, and eco-friendly way to send your wishes. What's more, there are plenty of occasions to give one: birthdays, Christmas, New Year, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents' Day, teacher appreciation gifts, retirement, weddings, and more. The seed card is made from recycled paper or cardboard embedded with seeds. The seeded paper can then be planted in soil, where it will decompose as the seeds germinate. A wonderful way to extend the joy and create lasting memories. Follow our step-by-step tutorial to make your own seed card!

What do you need to make a seed card?

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of materials required to make seeded paper:

Recycled paper or cardboard
Seeds
Water
A mixing bowl
A saucepan
Flour
A whisk or blender
Cloths
A sieve
Optional: food or natural dyes

Which paper or cardboard should you use for seeded paper?

You can use biodegradable paper, such as newspapers, paper bags, cardboard from egg cartons, toilet paper rolls—even the cardboard packaging from your Promesse de Fleurs plant deliveries! Avoid glossy magazine paper, however.

Which seeds should I choose for my plantable card?

Always opt for small-sized seeds. For example, avoid large seeds like pumpkin for Grandpa’s card (even if he loves the vegetable garden) and instead choose tomato, radish, or lettuce seeds, or other small vegetable seeds. For flower lovers, consider a wildflower seed mix or other small flower seeds. For an aunt or teacher, herb seeds make a lovely choice.

How to make a seed card

Step 1:

Cut the paper (or cardboard) into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
Cover the paper with water and let it soak for at least an hour (longer for cardboard).

Step 2:

In a saucepan, whisk together 25g of flour and 50ml of water.
Once smooth, add 200ml of water and mix again.
Heat the saucepan while stirring continuously until a sticky consistency forms. This creates a natural, biodegradable paper glue.

Step 3:

Add four tablespoons of the glue to the bowl containing the soaked paper.
Blend the mixture into a paper pulp.
Tip: If desired, colour the pulp with food or natural dyes. For example, beetroot juice creates a lovely pink, while turmeric adds golden hues.

Step 4:

Drain the pulp using a sieve or strainer to remove excess water.

Step 5:

Cover a flat surface (cutting board, baking tray, etc.) with a cloth, then spread a thin layer of pulp over it. To absorb water faster, gently press another cloth on top.
Tip: Use cookie cutters to shape the paper into fun designs.

Steps 4 and 5: Draining and spreading the paper pulp.

Step 6:

Sprinkle seeds onto the damp paper and press lightly to help them adhere.
Dry the paper near a radiator, in sunlight, or at room temperature.
Tip #1: If drying outdoors, secure the paper to prevent it from blowing away (yes, I’ve learned this the hard way!).
Tip #2: If the paper warps while drying, flatten it under a heavy book for a few days.