Sharing my experience sowing cactus seeds: a beginner's first full sowing process
My cactus Golden Star (Echinocactus grusonii) withstood that blizzard in early 2018, and in spring she was safe and sound, as green as ever, which made me see her in a new light. Apart from buying a few ready-grown plants, I had always thought this type of plant was propagated by peeling off small offsets, but I never expected it could also be grown from seed, so I immediately contacted this fellow gardener in the same city. I excitedly described to her the tough feat of my Golden Star, and after hearing it she couldn't help saying, "Not all cacti can be left outdoors without any attention; many of them still need careful care.
The three-high sowing method refers to "high temperature, high humidity, high potassium permanganate"
As the weather gradually grew hotter, I saw many varieties of cactus seeds online again and got tempted once more. I found a shop selling a sowing kit, in which the soil was sterilized, and the shop owner confirmed that "you only need to add tap water." The kit did not include potassium permanganate (which is needed for soaking the seeds), so I still solved the problem by ordering online.
First dissolve the potassium permanganate. I took half a tablet and dropped it into a bowl of water, and it was about right when it had dissolved to a pinkish-purple color. I put the seeds into the solution and soaked them for about 30 minutes. This time what I bought was a kind called "seeds of a mixed selection of Astrophytum, representing Astrophytum asterias and Astrophytum myriostigma." Compared with other cactus seeds, they are relatively large; see, that is the part outlined with a white circle in the picture. I don't know why this potassium permanganate produced so many impurities when dissolved, which worried me for quite a while, but fortunately it did not affect the seeds sprouting.
Following the shop owner's method, I mixed the kit soil directly with tap water. Just pour off the excess water. Next, a toothpick comes in handy; I used it as a tool to take out the seeds soaked in the solution. To prevent the color of the potassium permanganate solution from staining the surroundings and my hands, I wore gloves and an apron. It looks quite professional, doesn't it? Carefully place the seeds one by one on the surface of the soaked soil, and remember not to cover them with soil; just leave the tiny seeds exposed on the surface of the soil. At this point, sowing is basically complete. Next, put on the lid and keep it closed. This gives the sowing box a moist, sterile space inside. High temperature, high humidity, high potassium permanganate, all OK. Next is patiently waiting and waiting and waiting.
A few days later, all the seeds actually sprouted. A 100% germination rate made me, a beginner, especially surprised and greatly boosted my confidence. Look, the little seedlings are one month old, and each green bead is so cute!
The remaining seeds from last time and the seeds I bought online are waiting for me. I will definitely sow all of you. Finally, all the items used in this article are summarized in the picture. Friends who are interested can also give it a try. I wish everyone success!!