Eustoma seedlings - 7 tips for growing at home

Growing eustoma at home from seeds in order to obtain seedlings that can later be transplanted onto the ground is not an easy task. Capricious and whimsical eustoma requires compliance with many conditions. The tips below will help you achieve the desired result.

Time to plant seeds

Eustoma grows very slowly. On average, at least 15 weeks must pass from the moment the seed hits the ground until flowering. Therefore, you need to plant seeds early. The optimal time would be December - January, as a last resort - early February.

Correct soil

There are no special requirements for soil for seeds. It will be enough to purchase ready-made soil for flowers or prepare the mixture yourself by mixing garden soil, peat and sand. There should be no stones or lumps of earth in the soil. In order to make the soil safe, it is advisable to steam it in a double boiler.

Selection of capacity

Small plastic cups or specially designed bowls are suitable for planting seeds. The main thing is that the container is not too deep and at the same time wide enough. You can also germinate seeds in peat tablets.

Features of germination

The ideal temperature for germinating eustoma seeds is 18–24 degrees. Cups or other containers with seeds must be covered with transparent film or glass, and do not forget to regularly remove the film, otherwise the seeds will become moldy.After 20–30 days, when the seeds germinate, the film must be completely removed.

Seedling care

Excessive humidity, as well as lack of water, are very harmful to eustoma. Therefore, you need to stick to the golden mean. Another important requirement is sufficient sunlight. It is advisable to place the seedlings on a window facing south.

Picking seedlings

Picking is the process of transplanting grown seedlings from cups into deeper pots. It is usually carried out in March, when the root system of the flower has already grown sufficiently. After picking, it is advisable to “harden” the seedlings by taking them out onto the balcony for a couple of hours. This will help prepare the plant for transplanting into open ground.

Transplantation into open ground

When choosing a place on the site, you should be guided by the fact that eustoma loves windless and bright places (but not under the scorching sun). Before transplanting, mineral fertilizers and fertilizers are added to the ground: they help ensure that the soil is not overly acidic or alkaline. Holes for seedlings should not be made too deep. After planting, the plant must be watered abundantly.

Growing eustoma from seeds and then transplanting it is painstaking work that requires care and time. But the reward for it will be beautiful and delicate flowers blooming in the garden plot.