Growing rosemary plants from seed is quite a tedious affair. Unfortunately, the very fine seeds only germinate very unreliably, and due to mutations, all sorts of things can come of it. Nevertheless, at this point we provide you with precise instructions for rosemary propagation from seeds.
Sow rosemary seeds
The chances of rosemary germination are much higher if you sow the seeds in the right soil right away. Special seed soil is very fine and definitely meets the requirements placed on it. It also stores moisture well and is low in nutrients - as a Mediterranean plant, rosemary prefers lean soil, and too high a salt content can damage the sensitive seedlings. When the seedlings eventually grow, you can transplant them into a more nutrient-rich soil.
- Mix the fine rosemary seeds with the same amount of fine sand before sowing.
- This way the seeds can be distributed more evenly.
- Now fill the cultivation container with the seed soil.
- Wet the soil with a spray bottle and let it sit for another 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the seed and sand mixture evenly over the substrate.
- Sift a thin (!) layer of moist soil over the seeds, no thicker than the seed itself.
- Rosemary is a light germinator.
- Cover the container with glass or a transparent film.
- Put it in a light and warm place.
Care for seedlings properly
Propagated plants need a consistently moist but not wet environment. In soil that is too waterlogged, less oxygen gets to the roots, and the climate also promotes the development of diseases. Seedlings must have adequate breathing space. As soon as shoots are visible, remove the cover of the seed tray. Protect the seedlings from drafts and direct sunlight, but leave them in a light spot.
Thin out seedlings
The first leaves to appear after germination are the cotyledons. These swell during germination and burst the seed coat. They form the first food reserves for the plant. The next leaves are the first "real" leaves. As soon as these are fully developed, the seedlings can be transplanted, i. H. isolated, become. Discard weak and sickly looking seedlings.
tips and tricks
Dense planting and lack of ventilation can cause damping-off. This devastating disease damages and disfigures new leaves and shoots, and weakens the entire plant. The disease is caused by fungi in the air and in the soil, which primarily attack the roots. Damping-off can be prevented by pricking out the seedlings in good time. You should also be careful not to water the young plants too much.
IJA