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 (1/2 peat moss and 1/2 perlite
is one popular mix)
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 75 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.