Contents
Growing ampelous dichondra from seeds is a propagation method that is used for its initial cultivation, that is, when this plant is not yet on the plot. In other cases, the flower is propagated by cuttings or layering.
Dichondra ampelous can become a beautiful addition to other plants
Description of dichondra seeds + photo
Ampelous dichondra seeds are smooth, almost spherical, resembling a two-chamber capsule in shape.
You can collect seed material yourself after the end of the flowering period of the plant. However, for reproduction on their site, gardeners still recommend buying ready-made certified seeds.
Bicameral seeds are almost round in shape.
The nuances of growing seedlings
The process of growing ampelous dichondra seeds and caring for seedlings at home is long, but effective. A characteristic feature of the shoots is thin and weak stems, which necessitates particularly careful handling. In the case of strong stretching of the stems, to prevent their fragility, loose, light soil is poured into the container, shaking it with a toothpick from a spoon.
How to plant dichondra seeds
There are two methods of growing dichondra from seeds at home – seedless and seedling. In the southern regions of the country, seeds can be sown directly into open soil. And in regions with long winters and possible spring frosts, it is better to give preference to the seedling method.
One of the stages of growing dichondra from seeds is presented in the photo:
Growing a plant from seeds is a long process.
When to sow dichondra for seedlings
Considering that seedlings are planted in a stationary place no earlier than 2 months after germination, dichondra seeds should be planted for seedlings in winter. The optimal time is January-February.
Tank selection and soil preparation
The soil for sowing seeds can be purchased ready-made or made independently by combining garden soil, sand, peat and compost in equal parts. The recommended level of acidity is 6,6-8%. It is easy to check this with the help of special test strips.
In order to prevent diseases and eliminate the likelihood of the appearance of small pests, the soil mixture, before planting ampelous dichondra on seedlings, is disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate or exposed to high temperatures (heated in the oven).
To grow dichondra from seeds, it is better to plant seed material in separate containers. Suitable peat pots, which are installed in one common container, or large plastic glasses. Seedlings grown in a common container will have to dive.
How to germinate dichondra seeds
Before planting the seed material in the soil, it is germinated by soaking in a small amount of liquid for several hours.
For this purpose, a special growth stimulator (Epin), diluted with water in accordance with the instructions, aloe juice (10 drops per 1 tbsp of water) or hydrogen peroxide solution (1 tbsp per glass of water) is suitable.
Granulated seeds can be sown dry.
How to plant dichondra seeds
The algorithm for planting dichondra seeds for seedlings is as follows:
- fill the container with earth 2 cm below its sides:
- evenly moisten the soil with settled water, this can be done with a spray bottle;
- spread the seeds on the surface of the soil, put 2-3 pieces in each pot or glass;
- cover the seed material with a layer of soil mixture, the thickness of which should not exceed 0,8 mm;
- the container is covered with glass or plastic wrap, leaving small holes for ventilation.
The algorithm for planting dichondra seeds for seedlings can be viewed on the video:
How many days does dichondra rise
If the sowing of dichondra with seeds for seedlings was done correctly, the first shoots can be seen in a week. Young shoots grow slowly, for this reason it is better to remove the shelter from the container when they are strong enough.
How to grow dichondra from seeds
Plant shoots are thin and fragile. Care should be organized not only regular, but also delicate.
Microclimate
For planting dichondra with seeds and caring for seedlings, a lighted place is chosen, for example, a windowsill. Lack of sunlight leads to excessive stretching of the stems and their weakness. The length of daylight hours for seedlings of ampelous dichondra should be 10-12 hours. In case of lack of sunlight, it is recommended to provide plants with additional lighting.
For growing seedlings choose a lighted place
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Water the seedlings as the soil dries. It is recommended to add a small amount of growth stimulant to the water. Given the delicate structure of seedlings, watering the plant should be done carefully. A good option is to use a spray gun to moisten the soil.
Young seedlings need regular feeding. Ampelous dichondra will have to be fed 2 times a month. For this purpose, it is better to use ready-made complex fertilizers.
Thin stems require delicate care
When and how to dive dichondra
About a month after the emergence of seedlings, when the third leaf appears, the seedlings dive. For this purpose, the soil in the container is plentifully watered, the seedlings with clods of earth are carefully removed and transplanted into another container, covered with soil mixture to the cotyledon leaves.
Moreover, if the ground cover crop is dived into large pots, then it makes sense to plant the ampelous crop immediately in a flower pot or special hanging baskets.
In order to better adapt, containers with dived seedlings are placed in a place protected from direct sunlight, and after they take root, they are transferred to a lighted place. Light day for dived seedlings is 12 hours.
The recommended temperature for this period is 18-20 °C.
Seedlings dive right into the pots
Hardening
Before planting ampelous dichondra in open ground or setting a planter in a stationary place, the seedlings are hardened.
First, containers with seedlings are kept in the fresh air for 15-20 minutes, and then every day the duration of the hardening procedure is increased. This helps speed up the adaptation process of the plant.
Transplant into the ground
Ampelous dichondra, unlike ground cover, is planted in various sizes of flowerpots, decorative baskets or other containers with soil located above ground level. Do this no earlier than 2 months after the appearance of the first shoots. In warm regions of the country, May is considered the best time for planting an ampelous flower, and June in cool regions.
Ampelous dichondra is a light-loving plant, but it takes root well not only in areas open to the sun’s rays, but also in scattered shade. So, if the silver variety is ideally placed in a sunlit area, then the emerald one will feel comfortable near the trees.
There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil, but ampelous dichondra grows better on loamy drained soil.
In the process of planting seedlings, holes are made of such a size that the root system of a plant removed from a container with a clod of earth is freely placed.
The seedlings are carefully moved from the container to the hole, covered with earth and moistened abundantly.
When planting ampelous dichondra in open soil, one should take into account the low rate of its growth. Therefore, in order for the plantings to look beautiful, the distance between seedlings should be no more than 10-15 cm.
The plant will reach good decorativeness in the 2nd year.
Conclusion
Growing ampelous dichondra from seeds is a simple process if everything is done correctly. And regular further care will allow you to maintain a good decorative effect of a creeping plant for many years.
