Growing beautiful plumeria flowers from seeds is an exciting endeavor for any gardener. With proper care and patience, you can have unique plumeria plants that you nurtured from seed to bloom. Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully grow plumeria from seeds.
Gathering Plumeria Seeds
The first step is acquiring plumeria seeds. This can be challenging as many nurseries do not sell plumeria seeds. Here are some tips to find seeds:
- Look for seed pods on existing plumeria plants. Mature seed pods split open when ready, releasing seeds.
- Contact local plumeria societies. Members sometimes sell or trade seeds.
- Search for plumeria seeds from online vendors. Quality can vary so read reviews.
Once you have seeds inspect them for plumpness and viability. Flat shrivelled seeds often won’t sprout.
Preparing and Planting Seeds
With quality seeds in hand, it’s time to plant Follow these steps for best results
- Soak seeds in warm water for 4-6 hours before planting. This softens the shell and begins the germination process.
- Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix. Mix 2 parts soil with 1 part perlite for drainage.
- Fill small pots or seed trays with potting mix. Make a 1/2 inch deep hole and place 1 seed in each, pointing the wider end up.
- Lightly cover seeds with mix, leaving some of the wider end visible.
- Water thoroughly until dripping, then allow excess to drain. Keep mix moist but not soaked.
- Place pots in warm area (65-85°F) with sun. Germination takes 1-3 weeks.
Once sprouted, allow seedlings to grow until 2 sets of true leaves appear before transplanting to larger pots.
Caring for Plumeria Seedlings
Caring for plumeria from seeds requires attentive watering, fertilizing, and sun. Follow these tips for robust growth:
- Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering which causes rot.
- Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Give at least 6 hours of sun daily. Adequate sunlight prevents leggy growth.
- Maintain warm temperatures above 60°F for best development.
- Transplant to progressively larger pots as the seedling outgrows them.
- Prune any leggy growth to encourage bushiness. Pinch back tips of branches.
- Prevent pests like mealybugs which can weaken and damage seedlings.
With attentive care, plumeria started from seeds can bloom in 1-3 years. Enjoy watching your hand-raised plumeria flourish!
Common Problems When Growing Plumeria Seeds
Raising plumeria from seeds presents some potential challenges. Here are solutions for common issues:
Poor Germination: Old seeds, improper planting depth, low temperatures, and under-watering cause low germination. Use fresh seeds planted correctly in warm conditions and keep moist.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient sunlight results in tall, skinny seedlings. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Prune leggy parts back to promote bushy growth.
Rotting: Overwatering plumeria seedlings leads to stem and root rot. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings and ensure pots have drainage holes.
Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can attack seedlings. Check undersides of leaves and treat any pests found immediately to prevent spreading.
Irregular Growth: Variable maturity, leaf shape, and flowering occurs when growing from seeds. Unique diversity is part of the appeal of starting plumeria from seeds.
With proper germination, abundant sunlight, controlled watering, and pest prevention, your plumeria started from seeds can thrive beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Plumeria from Seeds
Growing plumeria from seeds is rewarding but also has some common questions. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How long until plumeria seeds sprout? With proper planting and care, plumeria seeds typically sprout in 1-3 weeks. Check seeds daily for emerging root and stem.
When can I transplant plumeria seedlings? Transplant seedlings once 2 sets of true leaves appear, typically 2-3 months after sprouting. Use progressively larger pots as the plant grows.
How long until seedlings bloom? Time to bloom varies widely but plumeria started from seeds typically flower in 1-3 years with ideal care. Some varieties bloom earlier than others.
Should I graft seedlings? Grafting isn’t required but can speed maturity. Wait until the seedling is at least 1 year old before grafting if desired. Match trunk diameter when grafting.
Why don’t seedlings match the parent? Plumeria grown from seeds don’t produce genetically identical plants. Seedlings exhibit exciting variation in flowering and growth habits.
Starting plumeria from seeds takes patience but allows you to grow new varieties. Follow these tips and enjoy this journey of discovery!
Additional Tips for Growing Plumeria Seeds Successfully
- Start more seeds than desired plants, as germination rates vary. Thin out extras once sprouted.
- Use bottom heat, such as a heat mat, to maintain optimal temperatures for germination.
- Gently remove seed shell once cotyledons open to prevent rot or constriction.
- Mix mycorrhizae fungus into potting soil to increase nutrient uptake for seedlings.
- Assess moisture by weight of pots instead of just surface soil. Lift to judge water needs.
- Apply gentle organic fertilizer like worm castings or compost tea monthly in spring through fall.
- Monitor for pests like spider mites under leaves. Spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control.
- Bring seedlings indoors or protect if temperatures drop below 50°F to avoid cold damage.
- Provide partial shade if seedlings show signs of scorching on leaves from too much direct sun.
- Talk or sing to seedlings as vibrations help strengthen their cell walls and growth.
Cultivating plumeria from seeds is a lesson in patience but also an opportunity to discover wonderful new varieties. Follow this guide for success in nurturing plumeria from seeds to their first enchanting blooms.
Start Fertilizing – Foliage
When: Before transplanting the plugs into pots, after three or four true leaves have grown. I use the same mix ( see below) approximately every two weeks
What: BioBlast 7-7-7 NPK fertilizer, Vitazyme
How: Foliar feeding early in the morning or late in the evening with Bioblast at 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water and Vitazyme at 1 tablespoon per gallon.. Do not spray in the hot sun it will burn the seedling leaves.
Why: Seedlings have seed leaves that provide them with nutrients for the first few weeks of their life, but when the seed leaves dry up and fall off the seedling needs nutrients. Bioblast works with every part of your plant. Soil organisms are invigorated with Vitazyme bio-stimulants providing quicker, more vigorous growth. Roots are encouraged with our Root Activator. A balanced 7-7-7 NPK provides the essentials of plant growth and structure. B-Vitamins and Zinc encourage a robust immune system, while Iron promotes chlorophyll production in the leaves.
Watering – I continue to grow Plumeria the seedlings in full sun and water at least 2-3 time a day depending on the weather. My goal is to keep the plugs moist to the touch. I’ve had no damping off or rotting problems.
Before you plant your seeds
Soak plumeria seeds to test viability and soften the shell to give them a kick start.
When: Plumeria seeds germinate best in the spring, but can be germinated any time if provided with enough moisture and warmth staying above 60 degrees.
What: Use quality seeds, warm water and Vitazyme
How:
- First examine each seed by placing it between two fingers. If they have some thickness, they most likely are viable. If they feel paper thin, they most likely are not viable.
- For faster germination and rooting, dilute Vitazyme with warm water at a rate of 1 oz to 19 oz of water, a 5% solution and dip or mist both side of the seed. Allow seeds to dry prior to planting or soaking.
- For a soaking mixture, dilute Vitazyme with warm water at a rate of about 1.29% or 1 oz to 128 oz (1 gallon).
- Place your seeds in the container, place in a warm area and allow to soak for approximately 4-6 hours (or even overnight). Soaking longer than overnight could cause damage to the seeds. Seeds that are very thin and are still floating are most likely not viable. To further test this, plant all the seeds, but mark the ones that did not sink.
- Check your seeds after several hours to see which seeds are absorbing enough liquid to allow germination and to sink to the bottom.
- Do not allow your seeds to dry out before you plant them.
- Now your seeds are ready to plant.
Why:
- To soften the seed’s protective coating
- To allow the seed to absorb as much water as possible
- To test the viability of the seed
- To provide nutrients as early as possible, helping germination and starting the rooting process sooner
When: Prior to planting seeds in plugs.
What: 2”x3” Grow-Tech peat plugs, warm water, Root Activator, and Vitazyme.
What we suggest: A mixture of warm water, Vitazyme and Carl Pool’s Root Activator.
How: Soak your plugs in a mixture of 1 gal of warm water, 2 oz Root Activator and 1 oz Vitazyme for about 2 hours.
Why: Vitazyme is a bio stimulate with vitamins that helps the overall health of the seeds and the Root Activator adheres to the plugs or soil and give the roots a kick-start.
I use the plugs because they hold the right amount of moisture and provide ample aeration that allows the new roots to breath.
Watering: Keep your plugs wet or leave them soaking until you are ready to plant the seeds.
When: Plant your seeds right after soaking into the prepared plugs. DO NOT allow either to dry out. If they dry out they could be damaged.
Plugs, Pots or Trays, After Soaking, For the seeds I grow for new cultivars, I prefer planting the seeds directly into 2″ x 3″ Grow-Tech FlexiPlugs, a foam peat plug. For the seeds Im growing for rootstock in flat trays or 4″ pots.
What: Carefully selected plumeria seeds, 2”x3” Grow-Tech FlexiPlugs. Warm water, Root activator and Vitazyme. You will also need a 36-hole tray and a flat for the plugs. Cover is optional.
Why: The reason I use the plugs is they hold moisture allowing me to keep them soaked with water and still providing ample aeration and allowing the new roots to breath. I use the 2” x 3” FlexiPlugs that allows me up to 14-21 days before I have to transplant to pots.
Watering – I grow Plumeria seeds in full sun and water 2-3 time a day depending on the weather. My goal is to keep the plugs very moist to the touch. I have had no damping off or rotting problems with this method.