How To Grow Vinca From Seeds

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) are prolific annuals that produce bright flowers. They thrive in a well-draining, moist soil, in partial sun to full shade, and are perfect for hot, dry areas. 

Once established Vinca is easy to grow, and requires little or no attention.

Vincas work well as spreading ground covers or border plants, and bloom from early spring to early fall. 

Vinca are often grown as transplants, but they can be started from seed about 10 weeks before the last average frost, with appropriate care. They grow in U.S.D.A plant hardiness zones from 4 to 9.

✅ Sow Vinca seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks prior to the expected last frost.
✅ Fill a flat with seed starting mix. Water the mix until it's moist and allow any excess to drain out. 
✅ Cover Vinca seeds with 1/4 inch of potting mix, spray with water - mist and press down gently.
✅ These flower seeds do not need light to germinate, so cover trays or containers with a black plastic sheet or a newspaper. Remove the plastic cover on a regular basis to sprinkle by misting. Seeds are sensitive to overwatering.
✅ Keep the flat in an area that maintains 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be placed on a heat mat or heating cable to help maintain the temperature.
✅ When seedlings emerge, they require intense light, but indirect sunlight  as a south-facing window. Or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller.
✅ Keep the room temperature above 70 F.
✅ Water the seedlings lightly to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
✅ At approximately 3 inches high-reaching, transplant the strongest plants into separate pots.  Fertilize the plants after two weeks.
✅ Vinca can be moved outside as soon as the temperature levels are constantly above 65F degrees.

✅ Amend the top 6 inches of soil with 1 inch of compost or manure when the soil and air temperatures maintain at least 65 F.

✅ Dig a hole in the soil large enough for the roots to fit comfortably. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball. Set the plant into the hole and pack the soil around it. The soil should reach the same height as it did in the pot. Space Vinca 8 to 12 inches apart as a border plant or six to eight inches apart for ground cover.

✅ Apply a layer of bark mulch around the plants to help prevent fungal diseases, protect the plants from rainy weather and help the soil hold moisture.

✅ Water Vinca thoroughly at the ground level, avoiding getting the foliage wet.

✅ Fertilize the plants once a month during spring and summer, and water them weekly to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.

Direct sowing Vinca seeds, is not recommended. However, if you are going to direct sow, adopt the exact same process as above.

Wait until the risk of frost has gone and temperature levels are constantly warm.
Just make sure the soil is well prepared, it is enough light and everything should be fine.

Vinca grow best in full sun areas or areas that get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The soil should be well drained - these drought tolerant plants do not need a lot of water. Therefore, be careful not to overwater. 

Deadheading is not needed for continuous blooms.

Vinca is deer and rabbit resistant.

 

 Buy Vinca Seeds Here - (Catharanthus Roseus) Ground Cover Plant

   

 

Leave a comment

Name .
.
Message .

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Back to Planting Guide
x
x