General Seed Sowing Method
This article provides a core guide: explanation on the aspects of home flower cultivation, general seed sowing method, followed by the introduction by the editor for netizens.
For ordinary flower enthusiasts, the general seed sowing method is often more practical, although the germination rate may be slightly discounted due to different conditions of various flower seeds, and different light preferences. Some tiny seeds do not need to be covered with soil, while larger seeds require covering. This article tries to be as popular and simple as possible, and flower enthusiasts can understand it with careful reading.
Generally speaking, tiny seeds are light-loving and do not need to be covered with soil, while larger seeds dislike light and need to be covered with soil to hide the seeds, and it is best to place them in a cool, dark place before germination. (For example, dwarf morning glories dislike light, so black plastic film can be used for covering).
Understanding the light preferences of different seeds, the next important factor to consider in sowing is the season. Different plants have different sowing seasons, usually spring and autumn, and some can only be sown in autumn or spring. I've seen some flower enthusiasts, who, upon seeing beautiful flowers, quickly buy seeds to sow. This approach is foolish, as some flowers are heat-sensitive and will fail if sown in summer.
Now let's talk about the general seed sowing method:
1. Choose loose and breathable soil (usually fine-textured peat or leaf mold) and fill it into flower pots or sowing trays.
2. Thoroughly water the soil and sprinkle the seeds evenly on the soil surface (soaking the tray after sowing is also acceptable).
3. Fine seeds (such as thyme, dwarf morning glories, balsam, begonia seeds, etc.) do not need to be covered with soil but attention should be paid to maintaining soil moisture. Use a fine-mist spray bottle to keep the soil moist. Strong water flow can easily wash away the seeds or push them deep into the soil, making it difficult for tiny seeds to emerge. Larger seeds should be covered with soil twice to three times their size.
4. The optimal germination temperature for most seeds is between 20-25 degrees. It is important to note that some seeds must germinate in low temperatures, such as ranunculus and delphinium. For most herbs and seeds sown in autumn and winter, the temperature should not exceed 25 degrees, while seeds sown in spring and summer should not be below 20 degrees. If the temperature is not reached, use plastic wrap to increase the temperature, which also helps retain moisture. In summer, all seeds should be placed in a cool, shaded, and rainy area. In winter, attention should be paid to keeping warm and preventing frostbite. Before seeds germinate and grow roots, they need to be manually watered to maintain life, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
5. If plastic wrap is used, remove it in time after the seeds germinate, move the flower pot to a place with scattered light, and apply some liquid fertilizer, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate at a concentration of about 200 times. Do not use too high a concentration. As the plants grow, fertilize according to their growth condition.
6. When the seeds grow 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted, and when they grow 5-6 leaves, they should be planted promptly. Before planting, add a little decomposed organic fertilizer (see here for homemade organic fertilizer) and slow-release granular fertilizer (such as compound fertilizer) to the flower pot.
The above shares the complete introduction of the general seed sowing method, hoping it can be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and knowledge!