Germinating the seeds
When to plant -- Plant your seeds when you receive them for best germination Getting started -- Use a well-draining
soil mix. A typical mix is
1 part
quality potting soil Use small pots or cups with drainage holes. Fill the pots, without packing down the soil. Place a seed on top and cover with a thin layer of long-fibered sphagnum moss (not ground peat moss) or a very thin layer of vermiculite. This helps retain moisture around the seeds while allowing light to reach them, which aids germination. This photo shows how much moss to use. If you don't have moss or vermiculite, sprinkle a small amount of your potting mix around the seeds. Add water until everything is evenly moist (but not soggy). Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the surface soil doesn't dry out. A propagation dome or plastic box works well for maintaining moisture. Keep it open slightly to allow fresh air to circulate, to prevent stem rot later on. Keep the pots in a bright spot out of direct sun. A bright LED panel kept 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights") They sprout well between 68 and 78 degrees F (20-26°C)
during the day,
and 65-70°F (18-21°C) at night.
I have no experience germinating them outside that temperature range. I
recommend placing a
minimum/maximum thermometer These seeds take longer to sprout than typical Impatiens, and they can sprout at different times. They usually begin sprouting at about 6 months, and can continue for 2-3 months. Please be patient with them. Increase the air ventilation slightly after they sprout to avoid rot. Continue keeping the soil surface moist (but not soggy) for 8 weeks after they sprout. Lighting -- They like bright, filtered light. Young seedlings should be protected from sun the first 2-3 months. Older plants grow well in bright shade or some weak sun. Shade from strong afternoon sun. Fertilizing -- When they are 5-7 days
old, feed
every 2-3 weeks with a small amount of dilute liquid fertilizer (1/8 strength).
Hydroponic fertilizer
is ideal for small seedlings, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential
nutrients. After 2 months, you may switch to a granular fertilizer Transplanting -- When your plants are about 2 inches tall (5 cm), gently transfer them to larger pots. Use a fast-draining mix, like 1 part potting soil to 2 parts perlite. Avoid disturbing the roots when repotting, which can damage them. Watering -- Try to keep the soil evenly moist most of the time, but not constantly saturated. Avoid letting it dry out completely. Climate -- It grows well for me indoors between 60 and 80 degrees F (16-27°C). I have no knowledge of how well it grows outside that temperature range. I don't think it will be happy below 50 degrees F (10°C). Dormancy care - It's normal for the plant to drop it's branches and go dormant for about 2-3 months per year. When this happens reduce watering until the soil is just slightly moist. Avoid letting it dry out completely. Pests to watch for -- Watch for any pests that can affect your other plants. Try using insecticidal soap spray before using stronger remedies, since some may harm the plant. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Have fun growing them! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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to
1 part
near the pots.
that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.