How to Plant Sempervivum Seeds
Sempervivum, more commonly known as hen and chickens or houseleek, grows easily from seed, however the seedlings do not always remain true to the parent plant. If you don't mind a few surprises, gather seeds from plants, dry and store them, and plant the following spring. Planting the seeds requires some advance planning, since they must be chilled for several weeks before planting and take longer to germinate than most other flower seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place the sempervivum seeds in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. The seeds need to experience a chilling period that simulates winter in order to germinate.
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Drop a peat pellet into the peat pot.
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Pour water on the peat pot until the peat pellet is completely wet.
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Wait about 10 minutes for the peat pellet to expand.
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Press the seeds into the top of the peat pellet. Don't cover the seeds or push them deep into the peat. Push them in just enough to cause them to stick to the peat.
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Place the peat pot in a warm, sunny place, but out of direct sunlight. Choose a location that maintains a constant temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Water the peat pellet as necessary as soon as any portion begins to dry out.
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Wait four to five weeks for the seeds to germinate.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a layer of coarse sand or small gravel between the seedling and the soil after germination to prevent the leaves that touch the soil from rotting.
Don't over water your seedlings after they've germinated. Wait until the edges of the peat pot begin to dry out before watering.
References
- Photo Credit hen and chick macro image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
