Malope Vulcan Flower Seeds

Indoor Start

• Starting “Vulcan” malope indoors is useful in areas where the growing season is short. Seeds should be planted in March and April in trays filled with equal parts of peat moss, potting soil and sand. The soil mixture must drain quickly. Keep the humidity high around the seeds by covering the tray with clear plastic wrap. The best germination temperature for these seeds is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seed tray in an area with bright indirect light. Direct sunlight will dry the soil too quickly and might raise the temperature too high for the seeds. Once the seeds sprout, transplant the seedlings to the garden after the last spring frost date.

Planting Outdoors

• Sowing the seeds outside works best in May after the last spring frost date. The planting location needs to be exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose an area with moist, well-draining soil. Space the seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. They will produce flowers about 12 weeks after sowing.

Sowing

• The soil should be worked to the depth of 6 inches and broken up to a fine texture. Spread the seeds out on top of the soil and cover the seeds with potting soil lightly sprinkled on the seeds. Do not bury the seeds more than 1/8 inch deep since they need light to germinate. The planting area must be kept moist until they sprout. The seeds germinate in one to four weeks when the temperatures are between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reseeding

• These brilliant blossoms attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Removing the fading flowers controls the formation of seeds after pollination. Pinching back the flowering stems encourages the growth of branches, which increase the amount of flowering points on the plant. This practice prolongs the blooming period. “Vulcan” malope will reseed itself in favorable growing conditions. Dropping seeds right before the plants die back will produce flowers the following spring.