Today, I finally got round to sowing some succulent seeds that I bought a couple of weeks ago. I enjoy having succulents around at home, and have several growing at the moment in my living room and bedroom. I really want to grow some from seed-I’ve tried before, but failed miserably! I have done some reading to see what I can do differently this time to hopefully have more success.
The seeds I bought belong to the following species:
- Echeveria-a batch of mixed species seeds
- Echinocereus rigidissimus ssp. rubispinus-rainbow cactus
- Notocactus leninghausii
- Mammilaria candida-snowball cactus
So, the question is ‘what have I done differently this time?’ When I sowed the seeds, I spread them across the top of the cacti and succulent potting mix. I didn’t put any more potting mix over the top of these seeds, as they all need light to germinate. I placed all my pots into a shallow try of water-the water moves up through the soil by capillary action. I watered them this way because watering them from above would wash away the seeds as they are that small. I have then put cling film over the top to keep up the humidity. Pots are now in a bright position that isn’t in full sunshine.
I have also remembered to use my labels so that know which pot has which seeds in. This is something I should do more of, but rarely actually do and then regret not doing it! I am finally learning.
These seeds can take anywhere between one and four weeks. To keep up the humidity, I need to spray water over the top of the pots, for the same reason that I initially watered them by putting them into a shallow treat of water. I am hoping that by the end of January, I will be able to see some seedlings growing.
In other news, the largest of the flower buds on my dahlia is now starting to open, which I am beyond excited about. The amount of dahlia trouble I’ve had over the past three months is rather annoying, but I am now finally getting the rewards for my patience!
That is my gardening for the day, and for 2025, all done and dusted! I wish you a very happy and prosperous 2026.