How to sow periwinkle

Vinca roseus can be propagated by sowing

Catharanthus roseus can be grown by cuttings from April to July, but the seedlings grown by cuttings are not as healthy and strong as those grown by sowing, so sowing is usually used for seedling cultivation. The seeds should be collected as they mature and can be kept for planting.

How to sow periwinkle

The best time to sow Catharanthus roseus is around March to May in spring, when the temperature is best between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It usually germinates 14 to 21 days after sowing. Seedlings can be started in early spring and can be planted in the warm spring.

Sowing of Catharanthus roseus - Soil: Mix peat and perlite in a ratio of 3:1. You can also use leaf mold. Use fertile, loose, well-drained sandy soil or humus soil, or barren-resistant soil, but do not use saline-alkali soil or clay soil with poor air permeability, which will hinder the growth of the plant and cause yellowing leaves and no flowering. Before cultivation, use 500-600 times dilution of carbendazim solution for sterilization and place it facing south in the sun.

Note that when sowing, cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand, do not let direct sunlight shine on the seeds, use a fine spray bottle to water the periwinkle with enough water, cover with a film or straw mat to keep the soil moist to adapt to the environment required for germination.

Precautions for planting vinca roseus

Catharanthus roseus will germinate 14 to 21 days after sowing. The newly grown seedlings cannot be exposed to strong light for a long time and need 2 to 3 hours of shade at noon when the temperature is high. When the seedlings grow to 5 cm and have three pairs of true leaves, they can be potted, and when they have 6 to 8 pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted. Plant in the flower bed in May, water every 3 to 5 days, and apply appropriate fertilizers to facilitate the growth of vinca roseus.