[Jacqui]

Hi Folks

I need some advice! I don’t plant seeds as I’ve never had much success growing them in trays etc. I scatter them on my garden and the survivors are great. So I need help writing the sowing instructions for swan plant seeds.

What do you think of this?

Swan plants grow well in full sun. The seeds do not need any specialist potting soil or seed-raising mix, a general soil will do. Wet the soil well and place 2-3 seeds per pot on top of the soil. Cover them with 5mm of soil. Leave in a sunny position – a window sill is great to get the seedlings started. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks, depending on the season.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

[Black Robin]

Hi Caryl

I have tried both soaking and non-soaking the seeds with similar results so I don’t bother soaking most times
Cheers, Black Robin.

[Jacqui]

Just an update on what I’m doing here – I filled seven trays with seed-raising mix (Yates Black Magic), wet it well, then covered the top of each with about 50 seeds – some have A. curassavica and others have G. fruticosus. These have been put on a windowsill propagator (English, made by Garland, which I bought near Levin some months ago) and the whole thing has been put in a window where the sun is warm in the afternoon. I did have it in full sun for the first few days but felt it was too hot there.

That was last Wednesday, and the first white threads of stems can be seen today, five days later.

I’m going to get some more going but can’t use the propagator for them – but will put those in full sun and in plastic bags to keep the humidity in.

My intention is to “graze” my monarchs on these seedlings as there isn’t so much lush new growth yet and the monarchs have been laying eggs.

[Caryl]

Thanks Black Robin, buying those 2 recommendations today. Thanks.
Do you soak your seeds for 24-36 hours prior to planting. I usually do.
Caryl

[Black Robin]

Hi Caryl
I use Yates Black magic seed raising mix. I ran a trial last year with different brands of seed raising mix and found this one the most productive. I sometimes use a very light covering of Vermiculite seed raising cover and this works well also, it is available at Bunnings and not all that expensive. I use Black Magic for my Asclepias varieties also and it work well with them to the sprouting stage.

Good Luck, Black Robin

[Dane Keriboi Hawker]

In August I did a tray of Swamp Milkweed, Tropical Red and Tropical Yellow. Only the red sprouted and I have transplanted them to the garden.

[Caryl]

Hello Black Robin, I don’t have much success like Jacqui, do you use seed mix or compost or sheep pellets or??? Thanks, Caryl

[Black Robin]

Hi Jacqui,
I think those instructions are OK but I have more success with a lighter soil covering than 5mm. I just give mine a light dusting of cover.
Cheers, Black Robin.

[Author]

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