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Germinating the seeds
Soil -- The soil should be fast draining. A good soil mix is half potting soil and half perlite or pumice rock. If your mix doesn't contain nutrients, you can add in some slow-release pelleted or organic fertilizer.
Pot size - You may plant the seeds in individual pots, or in a communal pot. If you use a communal pot, plant the seeds 4 inches (10 cm) apart. If you use single pots, use one about 3 inches (8 cm) wide. The pot(s) should be about 4-5 inches tall (10-12 cm), with drainage holes.
Before planting the seeds, soak them in water for 4 to 6 hours (not more than 12 hours).
Fill the pots with the soil mix and water it until it is evenly moist (but not soggy). Place the seeds down and cover with ¼ inch (5 mm) of soil, then lightly water the top soil. Until the seeds sprout, make sure the top soil layer doesn't dry out.
They sprout best at about 60 to 75° F (15-23°C). If you use an electric heating pad, use a soil thermometer to ensure that the soil doesn't overheat. The seeds should begin sprouting after 4-6 weeks, although allow up to 12 weeks for any slow ones.
Lighting -- Once your seeds sprout, move them to a bright spot, with protection from strong afternoon sun. You may use a fluorescent bulb kept a few inches (10 cm) away, although they will need stronger lighting when they are few months old.
Watering: Aim to the keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Avoid letting it dry out completely, but also avoid keeping it soggy.
Feeding -- This species has average fertilizer requirements. Feed about every 2-3 months with a slow-release, pelleted or organic fertilizer. If your potting soil contains fertilizer (check the label) your seedlings shouldn't need feeding the first month of growth. If growth slows or stops during summer, stop feeding until growth resumes in Autumn.
Climate -- Scilla maderensis comes from a cool, maritime climate and is untested in warmer conditions. It is accustomed to temperatures between 45 and 80 degrees F (7-27° C) during the growing period of October to May (April to November in the Southern hemisphere). Consider it experimental in warmer conditions, especially if nights are warm. The plant reportedly is not frost hardy and declines below 40 degrees F (5° C).
Dormancy -- During the summer, it sometimes doesn't go dormant, although it may shed some or all of its leaves. If it goes dormant or appears to be semi-dormant, reduce watering and stop feeding until new growth appears in Autumn.
Repotting -- Try to let the plant grow undisturbed in its pot the first year. Then repot to a larger container, preferably in the summer when the plant is not actively growing. If the plant has its leaves, shade it from strong sun for 3-4 weeks after repotting.
Have fun growing them!
Jeff
Strange Wonderful Things
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