Madagascar periwinkle can be propagated by sowing seeds, with a detailed explanation of the method

Madagascar periwinkle can be propagated by cuttings from April to July, but the seedlings produced by cuttings are far less healthy and vigorous than those grown from seed, so sowing is usually used for raising seedlings. The seeds should be collected as soon as they ripen and can be saved for planting.

Seed sowing and propagation method for Madagascar periwinkle

Madagascar periwinkle is generally sown around March to May each spring, because the temperature during this period is suitable for its growth, so sowing and seedling raising is usually done in a greenhouse in early spring, and after the weather warms up the plants are moved to open ground for cultivation.

The soil for sowing Madagascar periwinkle is generally prepared with peat + perlite at a ratio of 3:1. Leaf mold can also be used. Water thoroughly with a 500-600 times diluted carbendazim solution (for sterilization), and it is best to place the seedling container in a south-facing sunny spot.

Scatter the prepared Madagascar periwinkle seeds over the prepared potting soil, and cover them with fine, thin sandy soil to prevent the seeds from being directly exposed to sunlight, then water appropriately to keep the soil slightly moist, and cover with plastic film or a straw curtain to keep the soil moist. Generally, Madagascar periwinkle seeds sprout in 7-10 days.

Generally, after Madagascar periwinkle seedlings emerge, gradually increase the light, because the young seedlings grow slowly and grow faster after the temperature rises. Weak or dead seedlings should be dealt with promptly, keeping the strong and healthy seedlings.

How to sow Madagascar periwinkle, and what to pay attention to when sowing Madagascar periwinkle?

In our daily lives, we often see Madagascar periwinkle in roadside flower beds, parks, indoor balconies and other public places. It is a kind of flower and plant used in modern landscaping. Its flowers come in many colors and are very bright and gorgeous, looking very lovely and especially appealing. So many people like to grow Madagascar periwinkle at home, but they still do not know how to sow Madagascar periwinkle, and what to pay attention to when sowing Madagascar periwinkle? Below, the editor will introduce to you how to sow Madagascar periwinkle, and what to pay attention to when sowing Madagascar periwinkle?

[Introduction to Madagascar periwinkle]
    
Madagascar periwinkle is also known as golden marigold, daily new, three-ten-thousand flowers, wild periwinkle, four-season spring and other names. It is a perennial herbaceous plant. In Taiwan, China, many varieties of Madagascar periwinkle have been bred, and during breeding, the larger the flowers of Madagascar periwinkle, the more they tend to dominate. It not only has good ornamental value, but also has certain value as Chinese herbal medicine. Using the whole plant as medicine can provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, laxative, diuretic and other effects. Madagascar periwinkle also contains certain components that can treat cancer and have anti-tumor effects. Its milky sap contains alkaloids, which, if extracted, can be used to treat various cancers, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease and so on as an important medicine. Madagascar periwinkle also has quite a lot of flowers, an especially long flowering period, and relatively lush blooming. In spring and autumn, it blooms continuously, so it is called daily spring.

[Growth habits of Madagascar periwinkle]

Madagascar periwinkle is a perennial herbaceous plant with a very long flowering period. Madagascar periwinkle likes to grow in a high-temperature, humid, semi-shaded environment. It is not cold-tolerant, and is best grown at temperatures of 20-33°C. It likes sufficient sunlight, but dislikes wetness and fears waterlogging. It can be cultivated in general soil, but saline-alkali soil is not suitable for its growth. The soil should be sandy soil with good drainage and ventilation, and soil rich in humus is suitable. Its flowering and fruiting periods occur throughout the year. Precisely because of this, it is very popular among people.

[How to sow Madagascar periwinkle]

1. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — propagation: Madagascar periwinkle is generally propagated by sowing seeds, and can also be propagated by cuttings. Madagascar periwinkle seeds should be collected as soon as they ripen. The most suitable temperature for Madagascar periwinkle germination is 20-25°C, and it is generally cultivated as an annual. If using cuttings, it can be done from April to July, but few people use cuttings because the growth is not as good as that of seed-raised seedlings.

2. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — time: Generally, sowing begins around March to May. Seedling raising can begin in early spring, and the most suitable temperature is 20°C. Cultivation can be carried out in the warmer spring.
3. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — soil: It is best to use peat and perlite mixed at a ratio of 3:1, or leaf mold can also be used. Use fertile, loose, well-drained sandy soil or humus soil, or soil tolerant of poor fertility, but saline-alkali soil must not be used. Clay soil with poor air permeability will cause poor plant growth, yellowing leaves, and even failure to bloom. Before cultivation, sterilize with about 500-600 times diluted carbendazim solution, and place the potted container in a south-facing sunny position.

4. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — sunlight: Madagascar periwinkle likes to grow in an environment with sufficient sunlight, so that its leaves can be verdant and glossy, and the flowers can open even more brightly. If it is kept in a relatively shady place, it will suffer from pests and diseases and yellowing leaves.
5. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — temperature: When growing Madagascar periwinkle, maintain a warm growing environment. From March to July, 18-24°C is most suitable, and from September to the following - month the temperature should be kept at 13-18°C. In winter, the temperature must not be lower than 10°C, and cold protection preparations should be made to prevent the plant from being frostbitten or frozen to death.

6. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — watering: During the process of growing Madagascar periwinkle, it should not be watered too much. It relatively dislikes wetness and fears waterlogging. Water accumulation will cause root rot and prevent normal growth and flowering. In winter, watering must be strictly controlled; dryness is most suitable, otherwise Madagascar periwinkle may freeze to death. If cultivated in open ground, pay attention to drainage during the rainy summer period to avoid water accumulation causing the death of Madagascar periwinkle.
7. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — fertilizing: Madagascar periwinkle is not particularly demanding regarding fertilizer. During the growing period, fertilize about once a week, and compound fertilizer and liquid fertilizer can be used. When planting, a layer of base fertilizer can be applied at the bottom of the pot, which ensures that the plant has enough nutrients for growth.

8. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — pruning: When growing Madagascar periwinkle, pay attention to pruning to prevent the plant from growing too tall and affecting its ornamental value and flowering. Pinching should be done regularly to encourage more branching and more abundant flowering. After the flowering period, prune off spent flowers and dead branches to encourage a second bloom.
9. Madagascar periwinkle sowing — pest prevention: Madagascar periwinkle itself has a certain toxicity and has a certain pest-prevention effect. During seedling raising, it may encounter damage from damping-off, tea moth, red spider mite, gray mold, aphids and other pests and diseases. To avoid these problems, place it in a ventilated and airy place, do a good job of drainage and loosening the soil, avoid rain exposure, and when pests and diseases are found, apply the right treatment accordingly and deal with them promptly. Watering can also harm Madagascar periwinkle.

[What to pay attention to when sowing Madagascar periwinkle]

When sowing Madagascar periwinkle, following what the editor has introduced, you can grow Madagascar periwinkle very well. When growing Madagascar periwinkle, it does not require too much effort. With just a little care, it is very easy to grow. Its ornamental value is very good, so be sure to take good care of its growth.

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