Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a beautiful and versatile plant that can easily spread in your yard. One of the ways it propagates is through seed dispersal. This means that vinca plants produce seeds that can be sown to create new plants. So, to answer your question, yes, vinca does spread by seed.
Growing vinca from seed is a relatively simple process that can be done indoors. To ensure successful germination, it is recommended to sow the seeds about eight weeks before the last frost. This timing allows the seedlings to develop and become strong enough to be transplanted outdoors once the weather is suitable.
To start the process, you will need to obtain vinca seeds. These can be purchased from gardening stores or online, or you can collect seeds from existing vinca plants in your garden. Once you have the seeds, you can begin sowing them indoors.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sow vinca seeds:
1. Prepare the soil: Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining soil mix. Ensure that the soil is moist but not overly wet.
2. Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the vinca seeds evenly over the soil surface. It’s best to sow them thinly to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cover the seeds: Gently press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them completely, as vinca seeds require light to germinate. A light dusting of soil or vermiculite can be sprinkled over the seeds if desired.
4. Provide adequate moisture: Water the seeds gently to ensure the soil remains evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rotting or fungal issues.
5. Create a favorable environment: Place the seed tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Vinca seeds germinate best at temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
6. Maintain moisture and temperature: Check the moisture level regularly and water as needed to keep the soil consistently moist. Additionally, ensure the temperature remains within the optimal range for germination.
7. Transplant the seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
By following these steps, you will have baby vinca plants ready to be spread around your yard. Vinca is known for its ability to establish quickly, so once the seedlings are in the ground, they will grow vigorously and fill in any empty spaces.
It’s important to note that vinca can also spread by its rhizomes, which are underground stems. These rhizomes allow the plant to propagate and spread horizontally, creating a dense ground cover. So, in addition to sowing seeds, you can also dig up and transplant rhizomes to create new vinca plants.
Vinca does indeed spread by seed. By sowing the seeds indoors before the last frost, you can grow baby vinca plants that will enhance the beauty of your yard. Whether you choose to sow seeds or transplant rhizomes, vinca is a resilient and fast-growing plant that can quickly fill in bare areas and provide vibrant color to your landscape.
