CACTUSSTORE.COM
SEED
GERMINATION AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
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Friendly Germination Instructions.
SEED
GERMINATION AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The conditions for high germination rates and success
in growing strong seedlings is: warmth
(70- 90 deg. F), bright light, soil that drains well, even moisture
from watering, high humidity, and air
circulation, and patience. A few days or even hours of inconsistent
conditions can quickly lead to disaster.
Germinating desert tree, shrub and other
large seeds:
1. Soak large, hard seeds overnight (up to 36 hours) in
water to start the germination process.
2. Bury seeds to a least the depth of the seeds thickness.
3. Germinate seeds in pots with sterile soil (we us1/2 peat moss and
1/2 perlite)
OR plant directly into non-sterile commercial potting mix (approx. 75%
tree compost and 25% sandy loan)
or plant directly into the garden.
4. Germinate in full sun during growing season. Soil needs to be 72
deg. F. + for quick germination.
5. Provide plenty of water until seeds are established. Keep evenly
moist until roots are fully developed.
Germinating desert tree, shrub, ground
cover and other small seeds:
1. Sow directly into rich garden soil or in pots with
commercial potting mix or (our favorite) 1/2 peat moss
and 1/2 perlite. Cover with a thin layer of soil and keep moist until
seeds germinate. After seeds germinate,
decrease moisture level.
Germinating Cacti Seeds: Sow seeds in compost. There is
a great debate as to the best "compost".
A popular mix consists of 50% aged, black, fine compost (from bark),
15% sandy, sterile loam, 15 % pumice
or perlite, and 20% fine peat moss. I use a mix of 1/2 peat moss and
1/2 perlite. Shallow ( 3" deep) plastic
grower's trays with newspaper lining the bottom make excellent growing
containers. Other have good luck
with very different mixes and containers.
Sprinkle seeds on surface, they should not be completely
covered. Water from beneath. If watering
from above, be sure that the mist is quite fine. Seal growing area with
glass or plastic, leaving plenty
of room over the seeds for ventilation. Maintain a soil temperature
of 70-85ºF. Bottom heat is very
effective. Keep moist, having a sterile soil with peat moss and pumice
is very healthy for the seedlings.
Good moisture, good drainage very bright light and heat and aeration
are important factors for high
germination rates. Commercial growers use a general fungicide so that
the frequent watering and
misting does not encourage fungus attacks. The conditions that young
seedlings like are the same
conditions that most fungi like. The cacti can become a quick meal if
the moisture content gets out of
whack or if the soil is not reasonably sterile.
When germination commences, make sure that the infants
receives indirect, bright light (do not place in sun).
Allow good air flow. Keep warm 70-90ºF. When seedlings begin to
overcrowd the container, thin them
using a spoon. Try not to disturb the roots. During the first winter
season, make sure to keep plants warm,
depending upon the variety. Allow to dry between watering but not allow
to get too dry. After your first
winter, slowly harden the plants by a longer drying period and brighter
and brighter light. By year 2 they
should be strong starts.
Note: Some of our desert tree seeds have been treated
with SEVIN (a pesticide) to control weevils.
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