The Germination Process of Catharanthus Seed
Do you know about this? The germination process of Catharanthus seeds and the introduction of related information about the planting methods and timing of green plants and flowers, the site editor will introduce the following for netizens.
Catharanthus is also known as marigold, with many varieties. Depending on the variety, the most distinctive feature is that the color of the flowers is different during the flowering period, colorful, and has high ornamental value. Catharanthus is often seen in flower beds, but it can also be cultivated in pots and placed on balconies or windowsills, which also has high ornamental value. There are two methods to propagate Catharanthus: cutting and seeding, with seeding being the most common. As for how to plant Catharanthus seeds to improve survival rates and germinate quickly, I will share with you.
Why Should Catharanthus Be Propagated by Seeding?
Catharanthus can be propagated by cutting. Generally, when propagating some flowering plants, cutting is adopted because it can save time, reduce management time, and also reduce costs. However, the survival rate of cuttings varies depending on different flowering plants. For example, common roses or jasmine have a higher survival rate when propagated by cutting. However, due to the nature of Catharanthus, it is more difficult to propagate by cutting and requires more experience and care knowledge to succeed. Therefore, seeding propagation is simpler and can improve the survival rate, so it is generally used.
What Kind of Seeds Are Needed for Catharanthus Seed Propagation?
No matter what kind of flowering plants are planted, the selection of seeds is crucial. Using good quality seeds can improve survival rates and speed up germination. If poor quality seeds are used, it will affect root growth and seedling development, so when propagating Catharanthus by seeding, it is necessary to select good quality seeds to improve seedling emergence.
1. Full Development: When propagating Catharanthus by seeding, it is necessary to select seeds that are fully developed to improve survival rates. These seeds are easy to identify; they are plump, larger in size, and look fresh.
2. Strong Viability: Generally, newly harvested seeds are used, as they have a higher survival rate and can germinate smoothly. If seeds are left over from the previous year, they may be affected by diseases and pests or may have their germination rate affected by prolonged storage, so it's best to use new seeds when propagating Catharanthus.
How to Handle Catharanthus Seeds?
For seed propagation of flowering plants, different plants require different seed treatment methods. There are usually two seed treatment methods that can be chosen according to the nature of the seeds to improve root growth and germination rates, allowing seeds to grow quickly into seedlings.
1. Water Germination: For some seeds with thick skin, if not treated, they will germinate slowly and may rot in the soil for a long time. For seeds with thick skin, water germination can be used, which involves soaking the seeds in cold or warm water to allow them to swell and crack before planting.
2. Shell-breaking: For seeds with hard outer shells, if not shell-breaking treatment is done before planting, it is also difficult to germinate smoothly. The hard shell will hinder growth, so shell-breaking treatment is needed. For example, seeds of wintersweet or banana are hard and need to be shell-broken and soaked in warm water for a period before planting to facilitate rapid root growth and germination.
Catharanthus seeds are first wrapped in a green shell, which needs to be peeled off first, revealing the blackish-brown seeds. The seed coat is not very thick, and a mild water germination method can be used. First, prepare some warm water and add a little myclobutanil and root powder. Then, soak the seeds in the warm water for 24 hours before planting.
The Germination Process of Catharanthus Seed
How to Propagate Catharanthus by Seeding?
When propagating Catharanthus by seeding, it is first necessary to choose the right time. Different times of sowing will result in different effects. For example, sowing in winter or summer is not conducive to seed growth, which can lead to seeds not being able to root and germinate, and the survival rate is relatively low due to unsuitable temperatures. Therefore, it is best to choose spring for sowing Catharanthus, as the temperature is more suitable, which can improve the survival rate and is also conducive to seed growth, allowing for rapid root growth and germination.
1. Potting Soil: When propagating Catharanthus by seeding, it is first necessary to prepare the potting soil. The flowerpot can be chosen according to personal preference, whether it's a long pot or a round pot, but it must have drainage holes for proper drainage and aeration. The soil used for seeding should be well-draining and well-aerated, such as a mixture of peat soil and perlite or using decomposed leaf soil, without adding any base fertilizer.
2. Sowing: Once the time is chosen and the seeds are prepared, and all the necessary items are ready, it's time to start sowing. First, spread the seeds evenly on the soil surface, making sure not to pile them together, which can affect normal seed growth. After sowing, cover the surface with a thin layer of sand, about 1 cm thick, then water the seeds thoroughly using a spray method or by pouring water over the pot. Cover with a layer of plastic film and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area for care.
How to Care for Catharanthus After Sowing?
1. Sunlight: Since newly sown Catharanthus is still in the seed stage, it should not be placed in a position where direct sunlight can reach it, as the seeds may dry out or rot in the soil. It is best to place them in a cool, well-ventilated area to allow the seeds to germinate smoothly. The ideal temperature for the care environment is 20~25°C for fast seed germination. Once the seeds have successfully rooted and germinated, they can be gradually moved to a location with better sunlight to promote faster growth and healthier plants.
2. Watering: Watering after sowing is an important task. Improper watering can affect seed health, leading to failed germination. For example, if watering is neglected for a long time, the seeds may dry out due to lack of moisture, and if the soil is too wet and waterlogged, the seeds may rot. After watering thoroughly for the first time, it is important to observe the soil moisture level. Generally, the soil should be kept slightly moist, and watering should not be done by pouring, as it can wash away the seeds. It is better to use a spray or pour method.
In summary, propagating Catharanthus by seeding is relatively simple. By learning the above seeding propagation methods and taking good care of Catharanthus, you can see that the seeds have rooted and germinated in about 15~20 days. When the seeds have just rooted and germinated, they should not be placed in a location with strong sunlight. You can first place them in a location with diffused light, and then move them to a sunnier location later. When the seedlings have grown to 5~6 cm tall and have 6~8 pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted to other locations for cultivation and care.
The above content about the germination process of Catharanthus seeds and related information about the planting methods and timing of Catharanthus seeds provided by Green Enthusiast Network is hoped to be helpful to you!