What is Seed Paper?
Seed paper is handmade paper embedded with seeds. When planted in soil and watered, the paper breaks down and the seeds grow. It’s a beautiful eco-friendly craft used for cards, invitations, gift tags, bookmarks, and more.
Basic Materials
| Material |
Purpose |
Notes |
| Recycled paper (scrap) |
Main ingredient for pulp |
Avoid glossy/ink-heavy paper |
| Blender or food processor |
To turn paper into pulp |
Dedicated blender recommended |
| Water |
Helps blend and form pulp |
Use warm water for faster soaking |
| Fine mesh screen/deckle |
Shape and drain the pulp |
Can DIY from old frames + mesh |
| Towels or sponges |
To press out water |
Lint-free towels preferred |
| Seeds |
Embedded into the pulp |
Use small, flat, non-invasive seeds |
Pulp-to-Water Ratios
| Paper Amount (dry) |
Water Required |
Consistency |
Notes |
| 1 cup |
2 cups |
Thick pulp |
Best for sturdy tags and bookmarks |
| 1 cup |
3-4 cups |
Medium pulp |
Great for greeting cards |
| 1 cup |
5-6 cups |
Thin pulp |
Best for layering or detail work |
Best Seeds to Use
| Seed Type |
Germinates Well |
Paper Thickness Needed |
Ideal Projects |
| Wildflower mix |
✅ Yes |
Medium |
Cards, envelopes |
| Basil |
✅ Yes |
Thin to medium |
Gift tags, bookmarks |
| Chamomile |
✅ Yes |
Medium |
Wedding invitations |
| Lavender |
✅ Yes |
Thick |
Seed cards |
| Marigold |
✅ Yes |
Thick |
Craft paper for gifting |
| Tomato |
⚠️ Partial |
Thin |
Experimental only |
| Mint |
❌ No |
N/A |
Avoid—poor germination |
Step-by-Step Seed Paper Process
| Step # |
Action |
Tip |
| 1 |
Tear paper into small pieces |
Soak for at least 2 hours |
| 2 |
Blend paper with water into a smooth pulp |
Add more water if blender struggles |
| 3 |
Stir in seeds gently by hand |
Avoid blending seeds—can damage viability |
| 4 |
Pour pulp onto screen or deckle |
Press evenly for uniform thickness |
| 5 |
Use sponge or towel to press out excess |
Don’t wring—it may tear the pulp |
| 6 |
Let dry 24-48 hours |
Air dry on flat surface, out of direct sunlight |
| 7 |
Peel gently from screen and cut to shape |
Use scissors or paper cutter for clean edges |
Drying & Storage Tips
| Tip |
Why It Helps |
| Dry indoors away from sunlight |
Prevents premature germination |
| Use parchment paper underneath |
Prevents sticking to surface |
| Store in dry, dark place |
Preserves seed viability |
| Don’t stack wet sheets |
Risk of mold and uneven drying |
| Mark seed type on finished paper |
Useful if giving as gifts or for planting |
Beginner-Friendly Projects
| Project Type |
Difficulty |
Best Paper Thickness |
Notes |
| Seed Gift Tags |
Easy |
Thick |
Use hole punch + string |
| Bookmark Inserts |
Easy |
Medium |
Laminate or leave raw |
| Greeting Cards |
Medium |
Medium |
Fold when slightly damp for clean crease |
| Plantable Confetti |
Easy |
Thin |
Use shaped hole punch or scissors |
| Wedding Invitations |
Advanced |
Medium |
Design with water-resistant ink |
| Business Cards |
Medium |
Medium |
Great for eco-conscious branding |
Safety & Eco Notes
| Do |
Avoid |
| Use non-invasive, native seeds |
Invasive species or treated seeds |
| Choose organic, untreated paper |
Glossy, metallic, or photo paper |
| Dry paper completely before use |
Storing damp paper |
| Clearly label if paper is plantable |
Using seed paper near food prep areas |
FAQ
Can I print on seed paper?
Yes, but use inkjet printing and avoid heavy ink coverage. Best results are with stamping or hand lettering.
How long will seed paper last?
Up to 12 months if stored in a cool, dry place.
Can I color the paper pulp?
Yes! Use natural dyes (beets, turmeric) or add a tiny drop of food coloring during blending.