My Journey of Growing Flowers from Seeds

My gardening journey began in 2019 with a lot of enthusiasm but little knowledge. Eager to grow flowers from seeds, I impulsively bought various flower seeds online, planted them all in red soil using seed trays, and hoped for the best. Spoiler alert: it didn't go well. This experience taught me the crucial role of using the right potting mix, providing the appropriate temperature, moisture, and sunlight, and following proper watering techniques.

This beginner's guide to growing flowers from seeds includes some key lessons I learned along the way.

Seasonal Planting: Different flowers thrive in different seasons. Buying seeds based on blooming seasons is essential. For instance, planting winter flowers like poppies and petunias during Chennai's peak summer months won't work on a terrace garden. Location and temperature significantly impact success, so it's important to choose plants suited to your region and temperature.

Breaking seed dormancy: Seeds sometimes need a little help to overcome dormancy and start growing. This assistance comes in two forms:

• Stratification: This technique mimics the natural conditions seeds experience during the winter, especially in cold climates. It involves subjecting seeds to a period of cold and sometimes moist conditions to break dormancy and promote germination when conditions become favorable in the spring. Stratification is particularly important for seeds from temperate climates, where winter conditions play a role in preparing seeds for successful germination in the following growing season. Examples include Amaryllis bulbs, rose seeds, lavender, and pansies.
  

• Scarification: Some seeds have hard, impermeable seed coats that inhibit water absorption and prevent germination. This process involves physically weakening the hard outer shell of certain seeds to make it easier for water to penetrate and allow the seed to germinate. Scarification can be done mechanically (by scratching or nicking the seed coat), chemically (using mild acids or solvents), or thermally (exposing the seeds to brief heat). E.g. Canna seeds, tropical hibiscus seeds. However, it is essential to exercise caution during scarification to prevent damage to the embryo.

Potting mix: Don't repeat my mistake of using just garden soil (like red soil in my case)! While garden soil can be great for established plants, it's not ideal for seedlings. Garden soil, for instance, can be too heavy or hold too much moisture. An effective seedling mix should possess the qualities of water retention, proper aeration, and drainage, while also providing essential nutrients crucial for seedling growth post-germination. Consequently, the ingredients in the potting mix should include cocopeat, perlite or sand, and compost. In the case of opting for a soilless mix, such as using only cocopeat, it's essential to supplement it with micro and macro liquid fertilizers along with a fungicide.

Moisture for Germination: All seeds require a certain level of moisture to germinate. After sowing, lightly covering the seed tray or pot with a plastic wrap or dome helps retain moisture and create a mini greenhouse effect. This prevents the soil from drying out too quickly while allowing for some air exchange. Remember to remove the covering once germination begins, as seedlings need good air circulation to thrive.

Light and Darkness for Germination:  While some seeds require exposure to light to initiate the germination process, others actually germinate more successfully in darkness. This phenomenon is known as photoblasty, and it essentially refers to the response of seeds to light conditions during the germination process. There are two main categories:

• Positive photoblasty: where seeds benefit from exposure to light, and

• Negative photoblasty: where darkness is more conducive to germination.

Seeds exhibiting positive photoblasty are stimulated and have enhanced germination when exposed to light. Light stimulates the production of a plant hormone called phytochrome. This hormone plays a vital role in activating genes responsible for breaking seed dormancy and initiating germination.

Winter flowering seeds like Calendula, Vinca (hybrid), Nemesia, Phlox, Verbena, etc. prefer longer periods of darkness for germination. Covering them with aluminum foil or another opaque material during this stage can be beneficial.

Seed Quality: Sometimes the challenge you face may not stem from a deficiency in your abilities. The quality of the seeds significantly impacts germination. Expired or low-quality seeds are unlikely to sprout. It's essential to procure seeds from reputable sellers to ensure viability.

I never realized the satisfaction that growing flowers from seeds could bring until I purchased seeds from Biocarve. This isn't a sponsored promotion; it's a sincere acknowledgment of the brand's exceptional seed quality. Therefore, if you encounter setbacks or lack success, don't be too hard on yourself—it could be influenced by external factors beyond your control.

Sowing: My first attempt at sowing seeds wasn't a great success. Back then, I enthusiastically emptied an entire packet of seeds into a single five-inch pot. Unfortunately, this turned into a competition for resources. Crammed together, the seedlings didn't have enough space to grow strong. Sunlight couldn't reach all the leaves, and their roots struggled to spread, leading to malnourishment and even the loss of some seedlings. The key to success lies in proper spacing. Always research the recommended spacing requirements for your chosen seeds before sowing.

Planting depth is crucial for seedling success: As a general rule, sow seeds twice their own length deep. For tiny seeds, simply lay them on the soil surface and gently press them in. Seeds sown too shallow may struggle to anchor properly, making them vulnerable to wind or rain, potentially causing them to bend or even break. At the same time seeds planted too deep might not have enough energy to push through the soil and germinate successfully.

Watering with Care: Seedlings are sensitive to both underwatering and overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause wilting. For gentle watering, use a half-liter water bottle with holes poked in the lid. This creates a gentle spray that mimics rainfall and avoids damaging the delicate seedlings. The force of water from a mug can dislodge or harm your precious seedlings. So ditch the mug!

Ventilation and Light: Seedlings are delicate and susceptible to various threats, including fungal growth. When air isn't circulating, moisture gets trapped around the seedlings, creating a humid microclimate ideal for fungal growth. Good ventilation helps to evaporate excess moisture. Air movement helps the stems of seedlings become stronger and more resistant to disease. Adequate light exposure helps discourage fungal growth because sunlight has a natural fungicidal effect, making it harder for fungus to establish. Beyond combating fungus, light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their own food. This allows seedlings to grow strong and healthy, making them more resistant to disease overall.

Lack of patience and perseverance: Gardening is a journey of learning and growth, not just for your plants, but for you as well. Like any new skill, it takes time and patience to master. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but these are valuable learning experiences, not failures. When seedlings don't sprout or saplings struggle, don't let it discourage you. View these as opportunities to experiment, learn, and adapt your approach. Gardening is all about trial and error, so use each obstacle as a stepping stone to success.

So there you have it – my journey from clueless gardener to someone who's starting to get the hang of it. This journey is far from over, and I'm constantly learning and refining my skills. If you're curious about growing your own flowers from seeds, I highly encourage you to give it a go! Remember, even the most experienced gardeners have faced their share of challenges. Don't let the abundance of information overwhelm you—it's not rocket science! Approach each step with patience and a willingness to learn as you go. Happy gardening!🌱🌼