Starting an angel trumpet plant from seed can be an exciting and rewarding experience. I have personally grown angel trumpets from seed and found it to be a fairly straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide on how to start an angel trumpet from seed:
1. Gather the seeds: Begin by collecting the seeds from the pods of a mature angel trumpet plant. The pods will typically turn brown and dry out when the seeds are ready to be harvested. Carefully remove the seeds from the pods and collect them in a container.
2. Prepare the seed starting mix: In spring, when you are ready to start the seeds, prepare a warm and moist seed starting mix or potting mix. You can either buy a pre-made mix or make your own by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This will provide a well-draining and nutrient-rich environment for the seeds to germinate.
3. Sow the seeds: Gently sprinkle the angel trumpet seeds on the surface of the seed starting mix. Avoid burying them too deep as they require light to germinate. You can lightly press them into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite to help keep them in place.
4. Provide proper conditions: Place the seed tray or pots in a warm and sunny location, or you can use artificial lights to provide the necessary warmth and light for germination. The ideal temperature for angel trumpet seeds to germinate is around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, by misting it or using a bottom watering method.
5. Germination and growth: Angel trumpet seeds usually take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to germinate. Once they sprout, continue to provide them with warmth and ample light. Thin out the seedlings if they are overcrowded, leaving only the strongest ones.
6. Transplanting: After the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade, depending on your climate. Angel trumpets thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
7. Care and maintenance: As the angel trumpets grow, provide regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
8. Enjoy the blooms: With proper care, your angel trumpet plants should start flowering in late summer or early fall. These trumpet-shaped blooms come in a variety of colors and are known for their intoxicating fragrance, especially in the evening. Sit back and enjoy the beauty and scent of your angel trumpet garden!
Starting angel trumpets from seed can be a fun and rewarding process. By following these steps and providing the right conditions, you can successfully grow these stunning plants from seed and enjoy their captivating blooms. Happy gardening!
