Germinating the seeds
When to plant -- Start your seeds immediately for the best germination - don't store them. Getting started -- This method involves
sprouting the seeds in a cup of water - see
Sprouting seeds in water. Place them in a spot that will stay between about 65-80°F (18-26°C)
during the day, and 60-75° F (16-25°C) at night. I recommend placing a
minimum/maximum thermometer Replace the water with fresh water every day. The seeds can sprout at various times, sometimes beginning as early as 1 week and continuing for 6 weeks or occasionally longer. Once a root appears, gently repot the seed
into a well-draining soil mix. A typical mix is 1 part
coir fiber
or peat moss to 1 part
perlite The first leaf will appear after about a month. Until then, keep the humidity high around the seeds. An easy way to do this is to enclose the pots in a plastic dome. Leave it open slightly for fresh air to enter, to prevent rot. Keep the pots at the same temperature as described above. Drip some water over the seeds daily to keep the root moist. A bright LED or fluorescent lamp kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights"). Fertilizing -- The first 4 months, feed
weekly with a small amount of dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer.
Hydroponic fertilizer
is ideal for small seedlings, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential
nutrients. After 4 months, you may switch to a granular fertilizer Have fun growing them! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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