Growing tropicals from seeds.
From Kristi the Wizard of Rose: I grow many
plants from seeds, both for my personal
collection, and for TopTropicals. I receive many questions
from customers who want to grow tropical plants from
seeds. Some of them live in colder climates and try to
extend growing season of their tropical collections by
starting new varieties early in the year from seeds. These
are a few tips that may be helpful.
Q:
What do I need to do to speed up germination process?
A:
Many factors affect germination. Considering you get fresh
seeds (for example from TopTropicals) and Mother Nature
gives them a good kick start, there are a few things that
may speed up germination:
1) Scarification. Large seeds with a hard outer
shell can be slightly sanded down just enough for moisture
to get inside to wake up the seed during the pre-soaking.
Be careful not to damage the seed. See example of Lotus seed
scarification.
2) Pre-soaking. We recommend pre-soaking most of
the seeds for only a few hours (3-8 depending on species.
Some seeds are very sensitive to moisture and may start
rotting if stay wet without air circulation. Small seeds,
especially tiny ones like dust, should not be soaked.
3) SUNSHINE-S treatment. Adding a few drops of SUNSHINE-S booster when
pre-soaking seeds increases their germination rate 3-5
times.
4) Temperature. Warm temperatures help germination.
If grown indoors, put seeds containers or trays in the
warmest spot of your house; you may use heat pads.
Outdoors, putting them in full sun helps a lot, just don't
let soil to dry out.
Use only special porous seed germination mix
to provide air circulation and prevent seeds from rotting.
Q:
Should I keep seeds in refrigerator before planting?
A:
Do not refrigerate tropical seeds. Stratification
(treatment with cold) works only for temperate species,
and some subtropical (like non-tropical Magnolias)
Q:
How do you grow eucalyptus from seeds? I tried a few times
with no success.
A:
The secret of germinating tiny seeds like eucalyptus is -
to sow them on top of the moist soil surface (soil must be
very fine and soft), without covering. Keep container
covered with clear plastic, in bright light. Use spray
bottle to keep surface moist but not soggy. I have a
customer who germinates eucalyptus seeds using an old fish
tank, covered with a glass. Perfect environment - bright
light and moist all the time.
