When to Sow Baby's Breath Seeds
Baby's Breath is loved by gardening enthusiasts for its starry-like flowers. Mastering the scientific sowing method can make the plants grow stronger. This article will present the key points of cultivation from sowing timing to seedling management, helping you successfully cultivate a flourishing starry garden.
Choosing the Best Sowing Time
Temperature Control Points
Seed germination requires a stable environment of 15-25℃, with a day-night temperature difference of 5℃ or less. The highest survival rate is from late March to mid-April in the Yangtze River Valley, and it is recommended to sow in early May in the northern regions. You can maintain a stable temperature by covering the ground with plastic film or building a simple greenhouse.
Seasonal Adaptability Comparison
Professional Seedling Raising Operation Process
Substrate Mixing Scheme
Use a ratio of peat soil:perlite:vermiculite=5:3:2, and add 50g of slow-release fertilizer per cubic meter. Disinfect with a potassium permanganate solution before use and adjust the pH value to between 6.0-6.5. The recommended depth of the sowing container is 8-10cm, with a 2cm layer of陶粒 (expanded clay) at the bottom for drainage.
Seed Pretreatment Technology
Select plump seeds with a diameter of ≥1mm, soak in 40℃ warm water for 3 hours, then treat in a 5% gibberellin solution for 20 minutes. Keep the wet paper towels at a constant temperature of 25℃ for germination, ventilate twice a day, and sow when the radicle breaks through the seed coat.
Accurate Sowing Technique
Use the spot sowing method, maintaining a spacing of 3×3cm, with a covering thickness of 1.5 times the diameter of the seed. Water thoroughly with a misting sprayer and cover with non-woven fabric to maintain moisture. During the germination period, limit sunlight to no more than 4 hours a day, and cotyledons will appear in 7-10 days.
Key Stage of Seedling Care
Advanced Light Management
Gradually increase the light intensity after the true leaves appear, using shade nets for a 3-day transition. Maintain 6 hours of scattered light per day during the seedling stage, avoiding direct sunlight at noon. Use LED lights to supplement 2000-3000Lux of light when there is insufficient light.
Water and Fertilizer Control Strategy
Water by the "dry-wet" method, rehydrating when the surface of the substrate is dry by 1cm. Start applying a 0.1% urea solution from the three-leaf stage, once a week. Change to a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at the five-leaf stage, with an EC value controlled between 1.2-1.5mS/cm.
By combining scientific temperature control with precise sowing techniques and a systematic seedling care plan, the survival rate of Baby's Breath can be increased to over 90%. Regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust care measures promptly, and you can transplant and plant after 30-45 days.