How to Make Plantable Seed Paper

Follow this tutorial to learn how to make plantable seed easily at home!  Making seed paper is a wonderful children’s craft that makes a useful gift!

I’m not someone who is too “hardcore” into crafts. While I do make homemade soap and help my kids with Perler Bead projects, I really don’t have much of a crafty bone in my body.

However… seed paper has been at the request of my kids for the last few weeks. So I mustered up the courage to give it a whirl at home – with their help of course!

And even better, now that Valentine’s is coming up (as is spring), this is a great idea for making homemade cards, or Valentine’s that are useful and meaningful, too!

What is Plantable Seed Paper?

Seed paper is paper with seeds embedded into it. Once placed on soil and watered, it will germinate and sprout little baby seedlings. Eventually, the paper will decompose and leave the seedlings to grow into mature plants. 

While I am not all too crafty, I am a plant nerd and the thought of making some seed paper seemed fun and exciting. So onward we went!

Plantable seed paper is super easy to make, even if you are craft-challenged (like me).  It can be used as invitations, birthday cards and even encouragement cards. If you look on Etsy you will see a variety of sellers marketing seed paper for wedding invitations. You can even find seed paper business cards as well.

Step 1: Gather your Paper, Add to the Blender

To make seed paper you will want to gather together a few sheets of recyclable paper. You can use any of the foll0wing:

• egg cartons (empty)
• tissue paper
• scraps of unprinted computer paper
• grocery bags
• pages from books that have fallen out
• etc

Pour in Warm Water, Blend into a Mushy Pulp

Once you tear up your paper, you’ll want to pour some warm water over in the blender. If you fill the blender halfway full with paper, then fill it halfway full with warm water. Once you’ve poured the water in, blend on low speed for 10-15 seconds. 

Then turn up the blender on a medium speed for 30 seconds to one minute. After that time, you should have a mushy paper soup, with no visible paper flakes.

After you have blended, pour the mixture through a strainer (I love this one here). Gently tap to get rid of as much water as you can. You can even use a spoon or spatula to push the mixture through the strainer to get rid of even more water.

Mix in Seeds

Once you have strained the mixture as much as you can, stir in 2-3 Tbsp of your favorite seed mixture.  You don’t want to put the seeds in the blender – you’ll stir in by hand. 

Use a wildflower seed blend that is adaptable to the climate in which the seed paper will be planted. Or, to keep costs low, head to the Dollar Tree, and pick up a huge box of wildflower seed for $1.

Spread the Pulp, Dehydrate until Dry

Now, you’ll want to lay out small pieces of wax paper, parchment paper or foil. Lay your cookie cutter atop the foil/parchment/paper, and push the seedy mush into a fine layer. Spread it out as thinly as you can, so that it will dry quicker. 

Lift up the cutter, and transfer that seed paper to the dehydrator. Now repeat until all your seedy mush has been pressed into a cookie cutter.

Place your plantable seed paper in the dehydrator at 105 degrees for 4-5 hours to dry. You’ll want to check on it often, adding more time as necessary. As it dries, you’ll be able to peel it away from the foil/paper. 

Once both sides are dry, it’s ready to use.

Can I Color the Seed Paper?

Yes!  We’ve colored our seed paper with red food coloring. If you choose to color, you’ll want to add 3-4 drops of food coloring at the same time you stir in the seeds. Use more or less for a darker/lighter color.

Seed Paper Can be Used for Many Things

Plantable seed paper can be used for gifts, cards, or even wedding/shower invitations. Place them in soil, lightly covered and watered, and watch them grow.