Planting Petunia, Eustoma, and Lobelia Seedlings in January

Frost outside is no excuse for laziness for true flower lovers in home gardens. Nuranaya Sharigina, an agronomist at the Tyumen branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution «Rosselkhoztsentr», explains which flowers can be planted as seedlings now.

January is considered the optimal time for sowing seedlings of flowers with a long growth period, the expert explains. Over several months, they should strengthen by the time of planting in the ground. The agronomist says that such flowers include: petunia, eustoma, ever-flowering begonia, lobelia, verbena, primula, pelargonium, salvia, Shabo carnation, heliotrope, and others.

Sowing flowers in January for seedlings is recommended for those who plan to achieve early and abundant flowering. From germination to the formation of the first bud, these plants require five to six months. After simple preparation, strong specimens can be planted in open ground by May.

Petunia

Petunia is considered one of the most beloved flowers among gardeners. To form a powerful root system, it is recommended to sow in January. Its seeds are small, so they should be sown on the surface. It is convenient to do this on a layer of snow so that the seeds are visible and not overcrowded. The container must be covered with film on top. Seedlings need a temperature of +23…25 degrees Celsius (73…77°F).

After germination, the film should be removed, and the temperature lowered to +20 degrees Celsius (68°F). This is done so that the seedlings do not stretch too quickly. After the formation of two to three true leaves, the agronomist advises to prick out. Bush varieties of petunia form a crown on their own, while trailing types are pinched for better lushness.

Eustoma

To the category of flowers with the longest development period belongs eustoma, continues Sharigina. It is planted in moist and loose substrate. Ready-made soil for violets will do if you buy it in a store, specifies the agronomist. Eustoma seeds are small, so they are only slightly pressed to the soil surface. For planting, it is better to use peat cups. To create a mini-greenhouse effect, the container is covered with film.

Sharigina says that at a temperature of +22…24 degrees Celsius (72…75°F), the first seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks. Eustoma requires bright, diffused light for at least 12-14 hours a day. The agronomist notes that the seedling forms a rosette of leaves for a long time, its initial size may persist for months. The root system is very sensitive, so it is important that the soil is moist but not soggy.

Lobelia

Sharigina recommends planting lobelia for seedlings in January. She explains that the main flowering occurs at the end of summer and autumn. If lobelia is planted on time, it will bloom from late June until frost. The planting scheme is identical to that of petunias, notes Sharigina. During sowing, lobelia seeds are spread on the soil substrate and covered with film or glass.

Do not forget to regularly check the soil moisture and ventilate the seedlings. Lobelia loves light, but it needs to be shaded from direct sunlight.

«General requirements for flowering plants: choose a moisture-retentive, light substrate. I recommend using additional lighting, such as grow lights. At the first signs of diseases, like black leg or mold, water the plants with a fungicide, for example «Fitosporin-M» (1 tsp of powder per 1 liter of water)», added Sharigina.

Previously, we published an agronomist«s advice on how to properly grow greens at home. Read the recommendations in this material.