Growing mandevilla from seed can be a bit more challenging than propagating it from cuttings or buying an established plant. However, with the right conditions and care, it is still possible to successfully grow mandevilla from seed.
The first step in growing mandevilla from seed is to obtain the seeds. You can purchase mandevilla seeds from a reputable seed supplier or collect them from mature mandevilla plants if you have access to them. It’s important to note that not all mandevilla varieties produce seeds, so you may need to do some research to find a variety that does.
Once you have the seeds, it’s time to prepare them for planting. Mandevilla seeds have a hard outer coat that needs to be scarified or nicked to allow moisture to penetrate and promote germination. You can do this by carefully filing or scratching the seed coat with a file or sandpaper. Be sure to be gentle and avoid damaging the inner part of the seed.
Next, you’ll need to create the right growing conditions for the mandevilla seeds. Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the soil before planting the seeds to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Plant the scarified seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil and cover them lightly with more potting mix.
Place the seed tray or pots in a warm and well-lit area, such as a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill. The ideal temperature for germinating mandevilla seeds is around 70-75°F (21-24°C). It’s important to provide consistent moisture to the seeds, so keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, so be patient. Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or containers.
When transplanting the seedlings, use a well-draining potting mix and provide support for the young plants to climb on. Mandevilla is a vine that loves to climb and will appreciate a trellis or other support structure. As the plants grow, you may need to train them to climb by gently tying the vines to the support.
As for care, mandevilla prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
It’s important to note that mandevilla is a tropical plant and is not frost-tolerant. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to bring your mandevilla indoors during the winter or treat it as an annual and replant new seedlings each year.
Growing mandevilla from seed requires some extra steps compared to other propagation methods. However, with proper scarification, the right growing conditions, and consistent care, you can successfully grow mandevilla from seed. Just be patient and enjoy the process of watching your seeds germinate and grow into beautiful flowering vines.
