The baby jade plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is a popular houseplant that is very easy to propagate from seeds. Starting new baby jade plants from seeds can be a fun and rewarding gardening project. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about baby jade plant seeds including how to collect, store, germinate and sow them successfully.
Collecting Baby Jade Plant Seeds
The first step is collecting seeds from an existing baby jade plant. Here are some tips
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Wait until the plant flowers and sets seed pods This usually happens when the plant reaches maturity after 2-4 years
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Monitor the seed pods closely. Harvest them when they turn yellow-brown and start to crack open. If left too long on the plant, the pods will burst and disperse the seeds.
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Use clean pruners to clip off the dried seed pods. Place them in a paper bag or envelope to finish drying for a week or two.
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To extract the seeds, gently crush the pods and separate out the small, black seeds.
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Clean the seeds by placing them in a sieve and running water over them to wash away any debris or dried plant matter.
Storing Jade Plant Seeds
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining seed viability. Here are some storage tips:
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Let fresh seeds dry for 1-2 weeks on a paper towel before storing. Getting rid of excess moisture prevents mold growth.
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Place dried seeds in an airtight container like a glass jar or resealable plastic bag.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The refrigerator is ideal with temperatures around 40-50°F.
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For best viability, use seeds within 1-2 years. Older seeds may still sprout but have lower germination rates.
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Label your container with the plant name and year harvested. This helps you keep track of seed age.
Germinating Jade Plant Seeds
Germination is the process of seeds sprouting and seedlings emerging. Here are some steps for good germination:
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Choose a container with drainage holes and moistened seed starting mix. Terracotta or plastic pots work well.
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Sow seeds on the soil surface. Jade seeds need light to germinate so don’t cover them.
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Mist the soil to keep it evenly moist. Use a spray bottle to avoid dislodging seeds.
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Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
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Place in indirect sunlight and temperatures around 70-75°F for optimal germination.
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Germination takes 2-6 weeks. Gently remove plastic once sprouts emerge.
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Let seedlings grow until they have 2-3 sets of leaves before transplanting.
Sowing Jade Plant Seeds Outdoors
You can also sow jade plant seeds directly outdoors if you live in zones 10-11 with mild winters. Here are some tips:
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Prepare your planting area in late spring by amending soil with compost. Jades like well-draining soil.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep. Space them 12-18 inches apart if sowing directly in the ground.
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Water regularly to keep soil moist but not saturated. Use drip irrigation or water gently by hand.
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Cover with plastic sheeting or cloches to retain humidity like a mini greenhouse.
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Thin seedlings to the strongest 1-2 plants once they reach 2 sets of leaves.
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Transplant outdoors once nighttime temps are above 50°F. Harden off for 7-10 days first.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Seeds not sprouting? Check seed age and storage conditions. Soak in lukewarm water overnight before sowing to improve germination of older seeds. Also ensure soil stays moist.
Seedlings weak/dying? Move to brighter location or use grow lights to supplement sunlight. Also let soil dry out a bit more between waterings.
Leggy growth? Seedlings stretching for light need more sun exposure. Rotate pots regularly for even growth.
Mold or fungal issues? Let soil dry out further between waterings. Remove plastic covering temporarily to improve air circulation.
Drooping leaves? Check for underwatering and dry soil. Jade seedlings need more frequent watering than mature plants.
With the right care, baby jade plants grown from seed can thrive for years as houseplants or in outdoor landscapes. Pay close attention to their soil moisture, sunlight, and transplanting requirements for success!
Introduction: Jade Plants: So Easy to Care for in the Home & in the Garden
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Oh Jade Plants, some people love you and some people don’t. Simply put, you’re just one of those plants that everyone seems to have an opinion on. Regardless of how the masses feel, this is 1 of the easiest care plants, in the garden or in the house, out there.
There are many species and varieties of Jades. I have 4 of them in my Santa Barbara garden which you’ll see below and in the video. In this post I’ll be referring to Crassula ovata which is the 1 commonly sold in both the landscape and houseplant trades.
Except for a little bit of difference in the amount of light they’ll take, you care for them all the same.
LIGHT: In the garden, full sun is fine as long as it’s not all day, hot sun. Like all fleshy succulents, the leaves and stems are full of water & they’ll burn. Here in coastal Santa Barbara they do great in a sunny garden but wouldn’t fare so well in Palm Springs.
As a houseplant, Jade Plants need as much sun as you can give them, at least 6 hours. They aren’t suited for low light conditions. We had a large one, 3′ x 3′, in our greenhouse in Connecticut but the glass had protective coating. The irony now is that we that it was such an exotic rarity to have a Jade that size but out here in California you see them as 6′ hedges!
By the way, your indoor Jade would love to spend the summer outdoors. Just be mindful of the sun & heat & don’t forget to hose the plant down before bringing it back in to keep unwanted critters from hitchhiking in.
SIZE: Here in Southern California they can reach 9′ tall but are most commonly seen at 3-4′ height range.
As a houseplant, they’re generally sold in 4, 6 & 8″ pots maxing out at about 1′. The largest Jade Plant I’ve seen indoors was the 1 in our greenhouse, but then again it spent those cold, snowy winters in a greenhouse.
WATER: My garden is on drip & the Jades get watered every 8 to 14 days in the warmer months. And that’s how often I water the ones in containers, maybe even a bit more often depending on how hot it is & the amount of sun. We’re right by the ocean so sometimes the sun doesn’t make an appearance until 11.
Indoors, you want to thoroughly water your Jade Plant no more than every 2-3 weeks in the warmer months. Once a month is enough in the winter months. I’ve done a vlog, Houseplant Watering 101, which gives you more specifics & talks about the variances on this subject. And, these plants are great for frequent travelers because they don’t need to be babied!
how to grow a LARGE jade plant
FAQ
Is it better to propagate a jade plant in water or soil?
How do you take care of a baby jade plant?
Can I put a jade plant in direct sunlight?