straightaway summary
Poinsettias , the festive vacation works sleep with for their vibrant red-faced bracts , are a beloved addition to any Christmas interior decoration . While typically purchased asmature plants , growing poinsettiasfrom seed is a rewarding and scotch way to enjoy their beauty . Thiscomprehensive guidewill cut into into the intricacy of poinsettia seed generation , empowering you with the knowledge and technique to domesticate these stunning plants from the very source .
Step 1: Acquiring and Preparing Seeds
Poinsettia seed can be purchased from reputable seed provider on-line or atlocal garden centers . opt high - quality seeds from a true source to ensure optimum germination charge per unit . Before planting , soak the seeds in fond water for 24 time of day to soften theseed coatand advance faster sprouting .
Step 2: Sowing the Seeds
Fill a seed tray or small locoweed with a well - drain seed - start mix . Sow the ejaculate 1/4inch deepandgently firmthe soil around them . Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged , and provide a quick environment ( 70 - 75 ° F ) for germination .
Step 3: Germination and Early Care
sprouting typically occurs within 10 - 14 days . Once the seedling egress , provide them with burnished , indirect light . water supply slenderly , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between tearing . fecundate gently with abalanced liquid fertilizeronce a week .
Step 4: Transplanting
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true farewell ( about 2 - 3 weeks after sprouting ) , it ’s clip to transplant them . Use a potting mix specifically project for lobster plant and transfer the seedlings into individual 3 - inch pots . Handle theseedlings carefullytoavoid damagingthe touchy root .
Step 5: Light and Temperature Requirements
Mexican flameleaf need tenacious Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ( 12 - 14 hours ) andcool nights(60 - 65 ° F ) to produce their touch bract . During the day , provide them with bright , indirect light . At night , keep them in a dour , cool location .
Step 6: Pinching and Pruning
Pinching back the tips of thestems encourages bushier increment . Pinch the tips when the plants are about 6inches marvellous . you’re able to also prune any leggy orweak stemsto maintain a compact and attractive shape .
Step 7: Flowering and Bract Development
Poinsettias typically flower during the wintertime month ( December - February ) . To induce anthesis , expose the plant tocomplete darknessfor 14 hour each night for 8 - 10 weeks . This process , known as short - day handling , triggers the product of bracts . Once the bracts have grow their color , you could gradually increase the light exposure .
The Art of Patience
Growing Mexican flameleaf from seed need patience and attention to contingent . It can take several months from sowing the seed toproducing flowering flora . However , the satisfaction of crop thesebeautiful plantsfrom scratch is well worth the wait .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How long does it take togrow poinsettiasfrom seed to flowering?A : Ittypically takes4 - 6 months from sowing the seeds to producing flowering plants . Q : Can poinsettias be grown outdoors?A : Poinsettias aretropical plantsand prefer warm temperatures . They can begrown outdoorsinUSDA hardiness zones9 - 11 , but they must be protected from icing . Q : Are poinsettias poisonous?A : Poinsettias are not poisonous to human race or positron emission tomography , but ingestion oflarge amountsof the sap can cause mild venter upset . Q : How can I exsert the lifespan of my poinsettia?A : Keep the flora in a cool , well - unhorse locationand H2O it meagerly . Avoid overwatering andfertilize monthlyduring the growing season . Q : What do I do with my poinsettia after it blooms?A : After flowering , poinsettias can be treated likeregular houseplants . Keep them in a bright , collateral locationand water them sparingly . They mayproduce bractsagain the following year with proper care .
