How to plant Catharanthus roseus seeds
This article introduces how to plant Catharanthus roseus seeds and the cultivation tips for caring for Catharanthus roseus, followed by a comprehensive introduction.
Catharanthus roseus is also known as Pot Marigold, with many varieties. The most distinctive feature is that the color of the flowers during the flowering period varies according to the variety, with colorful blooms, making it highly ornamental. Catharanthus roseus is often seen in flower beds, but it can also be cultivated in pots and placed on balconies or windowsills, offering high ornamental value. There are two methods for propagating Catharanthus roseus: cutting and sowing, with sowing being the most common. As for how to propagate Catharanthus roseus by sowing to increase survival rates and quick germination, I will share this with everyone below.
Why should Catharanthus roseus be propagated by sowing?
Catharanthus roseus can be propagated by cutting. Generally, when propagating some flowering plants, cutting is often used because it not only saves time but also reduces management time and costs. However, the survival rate of cuttings varies for different plants. For example, common roses or jasmines have a higher survival rate when propagated by cutting. However, due to the specific nature of Catharanthus roseus, propagation by cutting is more difficult and requires more experience and care knowledge to succeed. Therefore, sowing is a simpler and better method to increase survival rates, so it is generally used for propagation.
What kind of seeds are needed for propagating Catharanthus roseus by sowing?
No matter what kind of flowering plant is being sown, seed selection is crucial. Using good quality seeds can increase survival rates and promote rapid germination. If poor quality seeds are used, it will affect germination and the plants may not grow properly. Therefore, when propagating Catharanthus roseus by sowing, it is necessary to select high-quality seeds to increase the germination rate.
1. Full development: To increase survival rates when propagating Catharanthus roseus, it is necessary to choose seeds that have fully developed, which are easy to identify by their appearance. Fully developed seeds are plump, larger in size, and look fresh, making them the best choice for sowing.
2. Strong vitality: It is generally recommended to use seeds that have just been harvested, as these have a higher survival rate and can germinate successfully. If seeds are stored for a year, they may be affected by diseases or pests, or the long storage time may affect the germination rate. Therefore, it is best to use fresh seeds when propagating Catharanthus roseus.
How to handle Catharanthus roseus seeds?
For propagating flowering plants by sowing, different seeds require different handling methods. There are usually two methods for seed handling, which can be chosen based on the seed's characteristics to improve germination rates and promote rapid seedling growth.
1. Water soaking: For seeds with thick skins, if not treated, they will germinate slowly and may rot in the soil. For seeds with thick skins, water soaking can be used, which involves soaking the seeds in cold or warm water to allow them to swell and crack open before sowing.
2. Shell breaking: For seeds with hard outer shells, if not broken open before sowing, it will also be difficult for them to germinate successfully. The hard shell will hinder growth, so shell breaking is necessary. For example, the seeds of camellias or beauty bananas are hard and need to be broken open with a knife and then soaked in warm water for a period before sowing to promote rapid germination.
Catharanthus roseus seeds are initially wrapped in a green shell. The outer shell needs to be removed first, revealing the black-brown seeds, which do not have a thick outer layer. A mild water soaking method can be used. First, prepare some warm water, add some carbendazim and rooting powder, then soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
How to plant Catharanthus roseus seeds
How to propagate Catharanthus roseus by sowing?
When propagating Catharanthus roseus by sowing, it is necessary to choose the right time. Different sowing times will result in different effects. For example, sowing in winter or summer is not conducive to seed growth, leading to poor germination and low survival rates due to unsuitable temperatures. Therefore, the best time to propagate Catharanthus roseus is in spring, when the temperature is suitable for increasing survival rates and promoting seed growth for rapid germination.
1. Potting soil: When propagating Catharanthus roseus by sowing, it is necessary to prepare potting soil. The choice of flower pot can be based on personal preference, whether a long pot or a round pot, but it should have drainage holes for proper drainage and aeration. The soil used for sowing should be well-draining and aerated to promote seed health. A mixture of peat soil and perlite can be used, or leaf mold soil, without adding any base fertilizer.
2. Sowing: Once the time is chosen and the seeds are processed and the necessary materials are ready, it's time to start sowing. First, spread the seeds evenly on the soil surface, making sure not to clump them together, as this can affect normal growth. After sowing, cover the surface with a thin layer of sand, about 1 centimeter thick, then water the seeds thoroughly using a spray method or by pouring water over the pot. Cover with a thin layer of plastic film and place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area for care.
How to care for Catharanthus roseus after sowing?
1. Sunlight: Since newly sown Catharanthus roseus is still in the seed stage, it should not be placed in direct sunlight, as the seeds may dry out or rot in the soil. It is best to place them in a shaded and well-ventilated area to allow the seeds to germinate smoothly. The ideal temperature for the growing environment is 20-25°C for rapid germination. Once the seeds have successfully germinated, they can be gradually moved to a sunnier position for better growth and healthier plants.
2. Watering: After sowing, watering is a very important task. Improper watering can affect the health of the seeds and prevent normal germination. For example, if the seeds are not watered for a long time, they may dry out and fail to germinate, while excessive soil moisture can cause the seeds to rot. After watering the newly sown Catharanthus roseus thoroughly, it is necessary to observe the moisture level of the soil. Generally, it is sufficient to keep the soil slightly moist. It is also important to avoid using a watering can, as it can wash away the seeds. Instead, use a spray or pour water over the pot.
In summary, propagating Catharanthus roseus by sowing is relatively simple. By learning the above sowing methods and caring for the plants properly, you can see that Catharanthus roseus seeds have germinated in about 15-20 days. When they first germinate, they should not be placed in a position with strong sunlight but rather in a place with scattered light, and then moved to a sunnier location as they grow stronger. When the seedlings grow to about 5-6 centimeters tall and have 6-8 pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted to other locations for cultivation and care.
The above is the experience of how to plant Catharanthus roseus seeds and the tips for caring for Catharanthus roseus, which I hope will be helpful to you in your daily life!