When to Plant Althaea Seedlings
This article brings you information on when to plant Althaea seedlings and describes the planting methods and timing for Althaea cultivation, let's take a look together.
Althaea is native to Sichuan Province, China, and is also known as Shangzhanghong, Qipanhua, Dazhuji, and Weizhu Kui. Althaea seeds are usually planted in spring and autumn, with plants seeded in summer blooming the following year. Althaea is a biennial herbaceous plant with a flowering period from June to August, and a single bloom can last for 3 months. Below, I will introduce in detail how long it takes for Althaea to bloom after summer seeding and the seeding methods.
1. Bloom Time After Summer Seeding
Althaea seeds mature in August or September and remain viable for germination within 4 years after harvest. The germination temperature for Althaea seeds is between 15 to 30°C, and under suitable weather conditions, they can germinate about a week after seeding. Seeds sown in summer are from the previous year's harvest and will not bloom in the same year. Those sown in early summer can grow vigorously in a temperature range of 25 to 30°C but will not bloom in autumn, only blooming in June of the following year.
2. Althaea Seeding Methods
1. Seeding Time
In the southern regions, autumn sowing is common, while in the north and north of Hebei, spring sowing is usual. Althaea sown in spring in the Hebei region can bloom by summer. However, in the northeast, if you want to bloom in summer, you need to start with indoor or outdoor membrane-covered seedlings before transplanting. In the southern regions, Althaea seeds can be sown in the same year they mature.
2. Seed Germination
After harvesting, seeds should be cleaned in clear water to remove impurities, then soaked in warm water until they swell, after which they are removed and disinfected, and then placed in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry.
3. Soil Selection
Suitable for seeding is fertile, deep, and well-drained sandy soil. A mixture of leaf mold and peat soil can be prepared, and a base fertilizer should be applied.
4. Seeding Process
Althaea can withstand cold temperatures and can be grown indoors or in open fields. During seeding, place the seeds in small holes and cover them with a thin layer of fertile fine soil. For spring sowing in open fields, a layer of plastic film needs to be covered, with small holes poked in the film to maintain a suitable temperature.
5. Post-Seeding Care
After seeding, ensure plenty of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. Generally, seeds will germinate within 7 to 15 days, and after seedlings have grown 3 to 5 true leaves, they can be transplanted and planted.
The above information is about when to plant Althaea seedlings and describes the planting methods and timing for Althaea cultivation. If it can help you, remember to visit our website often!