

Dig a hole for each plant, approximately 18 inches apart, large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.
#GOMPHRENA SEEDLINGS FULL#
Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-drained soil.Thin to stand about 10 inches apart starting when seedlings are 1-2 inches high.Seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions.Sow seeds evenly and thinly and cover with ¼ inch of fine soil.After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter.Prepare the soil by removing weeds and working organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil then level and smooth.Direct sow in full sun in well-drained soil after danger of frost.This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.Sow gomphrena 6-8 weeks before the last frost.Gomphrena may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as a potted plant.
