To start nemesia seeds, you’ll want to begin indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring. This will give the seeds ample time to germinate and grow before they can be transplanted outside. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Prepare the container: Select a container with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. Fill it with a seed-starting mix, which is a specially formulated soilless mixture that provides good drainage and aeration for young seedlings. Avoid using regular garden soil as it may contain pathogens that can harm the delicate seeds.
2. Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the nemesia seeds evenly on top of the seed-starting mix. It’s best to lightly press the seeds into the mix, ensuring they are in contact with the soil but not buried too deeply. Nemesia seeds are tiny, so it’s important to handle them with care.
3. Provide light: Place the container in a cool location that receives bright light but not direct sunlight. A windowsill or a room with bright, indirect light is ideal. If you don’t have access to sufficient natural light, you can use fluorescent grow lights to supplement the lighting.
4. Maintain temperature and humidity: Nemesia seeds prefer cooler temperatures for germination, typically around 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). You can cover the container with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect and maintain higher humidity levels. This will help promote germination.
5. Watering: Keep the seed-starting mix consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to damping-off disease, which can kill young seedlings. Use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine rose attachment to gently water the seeds.
6. Transplanting: Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two. This helps them acclimate to the changes in temperature, light, and wind.
7. Planting outdoors: Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or tiller and removing any weeds or debris. Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings. Gently remove the seedlings from the container, being careful not to damage the roots, and place them in the holes. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base of the seedlings.
8. Watering and care: After transplanting, water the seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
By following these steps, you can successfully start nemesia seeds indoors and enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden. Remember, gardening is also a learning process, so don’t be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way. Each experience provides an opportunity to learn and improve your skills as a gardener.
