Most ornamental plant seeds are sown in March or April. But the most impatient gardeners can start seedling production in January. See what flowers we sow in January and why in some plants such an early sowing date is even necessary. Here's all about the January sowing on window sills and in greenhouses!
The flowers we sow in January - Peruvian heliotrope, begonia, mexican plume
Alreadyfrom January, annual plants are sown , which have the longest vegetation and time to flower.In such plants, the first flowers sometimes appear only 4 months after sowing the seeds. Thanks to the January sowing, these plants bloom soon after planting the seedlings into the ground, which usually takes place in the second half of May.
The range offlowers sown in Januaryis small, and some of them can also be successfully sown in February or even in March. It is not worth to rush sowing, because the seedling will be too thin, delicate and often infected with diseases even before we manage to plant it outside. Besides, in January sowing, it is necessary to provide additional lighting for the emerging seedlings, because the day is still too short. If we do not have special lamps to illuminate plants, it is better to wait until February for sowing.
However, if we are very impatient, we will find severalflowers to be sown in January
Ever-flowering Begonia(Begonia semperflorens) - is a small plant that flowers from early summer to late fall.Ever-flowering begonia is perfect for flower beds, borders, as well as for cultivation in boxes and pots on balconies and terraces. Begonia is sown from January to boxes on window sills or in heated greenhouses. We sow broadcasts, covering the seeds with a thin layer of sand. Then gently moisten the substrate (preferably by spraying). Containers with sown seeds should be covered with glass or foil to maintain humidity and to keep them at a temperature of about 20-22 ° C. When the seedlings develop two leaves (which takes place after about 3 weeks), they can be pierced.
Heliotrope(Heliotrope) - a perennial that grows up to 50 cm in height, but in our climate it is cultivated as an annual plant (it does not winter in the ground). It produces nice blue-violet flowers with a pleasant vanilla scent. We can admire them from June to October. However, in order for it to bloom in June,heliotrope is sown in Januaryin a similar way as the begonia described above. The heliotrope can also be successfully sown in February or March.
Note!Before sowing heliotrope seeds should be cooled for a week by placing them in a refrigerator at 1-5 ° C. After sowing, do not cover them with sand, but simply press the plank into the ground.
Mexican Żeniszek(Ageratum houstonianum) - is an excellent annual plant for planting beds, containers and balcony boxes. As a persistent and resistant species, it is also recommended for cemeteries, where plants usually cannot be cared for regularly. Żeniszki are valued for their heart-shaped, serrated leaves and pretty blue, purple or white flowers.Zeniszki are sown in Januaryor in February. The sowing date can be delayed even until April, but then the plants will not bloom until the second half of summer. By sowing zeniszki at the end of January or at the beginning of February, we will guarantee their early flowering date, even in May. The sowing rules are the same as for continuously flowering begonia.
Pelargonium(Pelargonium) - also in January we sow the seeds of bed and ivy pelargoniums.Although it is easier to make pelargonium cuttings from plants stored indoors over the winter,seed-derived geraniums have a more compact habitand better tolerate unfavorable growing conditions and attacks by diseases or pests. However, while in the case of the previously presented plant species, sowing can be delayed at least until February, there is no need to delay with geraniums, as the time from sowing to flowering is as long as 6 months. Therefore, if we want to have geraniums blooming in June, we have tosow them by mid-JanuaryBefore sowing, it is worth soaking the purchased pelargonium seeds in lukewarm water for 12-24 hours. After swelling, we can sow them.
As you can see, the flowers we sow in January are few but the most impatient gardeners can already start producing seedlings. Many more plants, including vegetables and herbs, are sown in February. Then our seedbeds will fully green!People looking for the best flower and vegetable seeds are welcome to the store of our guide: -)
