Content
Growing ampelous dichondra from seeds is a propagation method that is used for its initial cultivation, that is, when this plant does not yet exist 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
The seeds of dichondra ampelous are smooth, almost spherical, resembling a two-chamber capsule in shape.
You can collect seed material yourself after the end of the plant’s flowering period. However, for propagation on their site, gardeners still recommend buying ready-made certified seeds.
Double-chambered seeds are almost round in shape
The nuances of growing seedlings
The process of growing ampelous dichondra with seeds and caring for seedlings at home is long but effective.A characteristic feature of the shoots is thin and weak stems, which necessitates especially careful handling. In case of strong stretching of the stems, to prevent their fragility, pour loose, light soil into the container, shaking it off the spoon with a toothpick.
How to plant dichondra with seeds
There are two methods of growing dichondra from seeds at home - seedless and seedlings. 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 shown 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 permanent place no earlier than 2 months after germination, dichondra seeds should be planted for seedlings in winter. The optimal time is January-February.
Selection of container 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. Recommended acidity level is 6.6-8%. This can be easily checked using special test strips.
In order to prevent diseases and eliminate the likelihood of the appearance of small pests, the soil mixture is disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate or exposed to high temperatures (heated in the oven) before planting dichondra ampelous seedlings.
To grow dichondra from seeds, it is better to plant the seed material in separate containers. Peat pots that are placed in one common container or large plastic glasses are suitable. Seedlings grown in a common container will have to be planted.
How to germinate dichondra seeds
Before planting the seed in the soil, it is germinated by soaking it 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 cup of water) or a solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon per glass of water) are 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 soil 2 cm below its sides:
- evenly moisten the soil with settled water, this can be done using a spray bottle;
- lay 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 film, leaving small holes for ventilation.
The algorithm for planting dichondra seeds for seedlings can be seen in the video:
How many days does dichondra sprout?
If sowing dichondra seeds for seedlings was done correctly, the first shoots can be seen within a week. Young shoots grow slowly, for this reason it is better to remove the cover from the container when they are strong enough.
How to grow dichondra from seeds
The plant's seedlings are thin and fragile.Care should be organized not only regularly, but also delicately.
Microclimate
To plant dichondra seeds and care for seedlings, choose a lighted place, for example, a windowsill. Lack of sunlight leads to excessive elongation of the stems and their weakness. The duration of daylight hours for ampelous dichondra seedlings should be 10-12 hours. In case of insufficient sunlight, it is recommended to provide the plants with additional lighting.
Choose a well-lit place to grow seedlings
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Water the seedlings as the soil dries. It is recommended to add a small amount of growth stimulator to the water. Given the delicate structure of the seedlings, you need to water the plant carefully. A good option is to use a spray bottle to moisten the soil.
Young seedlings need regular feeding. You will have to feed dichondra ampelous 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 from the date of emergence, when the third leaf appears, the seedlings are plucked. For this purpose, water the soil in the container abundantly, carefully remove the seedlings with clods of earth and transplant them into another container, covering them with soil mixture up to the cotyledon leaves.
Moreover, if the ground cover crop is planted in large pots, then it makes sense to plant the hanging crop directly in pots or special hanging baskets.
For better adaptation, containers with picked seedlings are placed in a place protected from direct sunlight, and after they take root, they are transferred to a lighted area. Daylight hours for pickled seedlings are 12 hours.
The recommended temperature for this period is 18-20 °C.
Seedlings dive straight into the flower pots
Hardening
Before planting the ampelous dichondra in open ground or installing a pot in a permanent place, the seedlings are hardened off.
First, the containers with seedlings are kept in the fresh air for 15-20 minutes, and then the duration of the hardening procedure is increased every day. This helps speed up the plant's adaptation process.
Transplantation into the ground
Dichondra ampelous, unlike groundcover, is planted in pots of different sizes, decorative baskets or other containers with soil located above ground level. This is done no earlier than 2 months after the appearance of the first shoots. In warm regions of the country, the best time to plant an ampel flower is May, and in cool regions - June.
Dichondra ampelous is a light-loving plant, but it takes root well not only in areas exposed to sunlight, but also in diffuse shade. So, if the silver variety is ideally placed in a sunny area, then the emerald variety will also feel comfortable near 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 the plant removed from the container with a lump of earth can be freely accommodated.
The seedlings are carefully moved from the container to the hole, covered with soil and moistened abundantly.
When planting ampelous dichondra in open soil, one should take into account its low growth rate. Therefore, for the plantings to look beautiful, the distance between seedlings should be no more than 10-15 cm.
The plant will achieve 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 the good decorative appearance of the creeping plant for many years.
