Streptocarpus Propagation by Seed

Preparation

• Use a soilless seed-starting mix to germinate streptocarpus seeds. With regular potting soil there is an increased chance that the seeds may suffer from damping off, a fungal disease. Choose a quality mix that drains quickly, yet holds moisture for the tiny roots. Peat moss is notoriously difficult to moisten; if your mix contains peat moss, you may have to stir the medium as you run water over it. Allow the medium to drain completely so that it isn't saturated when you sow the streptocarpus seeds.

Sowing the Seed

• Use a nursery flat if you'll be planting a lot of streptocarpus seeds and a nursery pot if you are planting only a few. A 10-inch-by-12-inch flat will hold 25 streptocarpus seeds. These seeds are tiny and may be difficult to sow. One way to sow them is to moisten the end of a toothpick and use it to pick up each seed and set it on the surface of the growing medium.

Germination

• Streptocarpus seeds require light and warm soil to germinate. Don't cover the seeds with the planting medium; allow them to remain on the surface of the soil, and cover the container with plastic wrap. Set the container on a heat mat set to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Place grow lights 10 inches above the container and allow them to run for 12 to 14 hours a day. Germination time varies, but look for the seeds to sprout within six to eight weeks.

Growing On

• Remove the plastic wrap and turn off the heat mat when the seeds sprout. Allow the seedlings to grow under the grow lights. When they have their third set of leaves, pot them up in individual pots filled with a quality potting soil. At this time, turn off the lights and allow the pots to remain in a slightly shaded area. If you will grow them outdoors, transplant them into the garden when they reach 6 inches in height.