Hello, cultivator. I am the potential within the tiny, dormant seed. My journey begins with you, but my needs are specific. To break my hard outer shell, I require consistent warmth and moisture. Sow me on the surface of a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix; I am a child of light and should not be buried deeply. A gentle press into the soil is all I need for contact. Then, provide a warm environment, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C). You might use a heat mat to mimic the warm spring soil I crave. Keep my medium consistently moist but never waterlogged, as I cannot swim and will drown. A clear plastic dome will help trap humidity, creating a miniature, perfect world for my awakening. With these conditions, I will stir, swell, and send a tiny root (my radicle) down into the world to anchor myself.
Once my cotyledons—my first seed leaves—emerge and unfurl, I am no longer a seed but a vulnerable seedling. This is a critical time. I need abundant, bright, indirect light immediately. Without it, I will become leggy and weak, stretching desperately for a sun I cannot find. A south-facing window or a grow light positioned just a few inches above me is ideal. You can remove the humidity dome now to prevent damping-off, a fungal disease that would be my end. Water me from below by placing my tray in a shallow dish of water; this encourages my roots to grow strong and deep seeking moisture, and it keeps my delicate stem and leaves dry and healthy. As my first true leaves, which actually look like a geranium's leaves, appear, I am building the foundation for my entire life.
When I have developed two to three sets of true leaves, I am ready for more space and nutrients. This is the time for you to transplant me into my own small pot. Be gentle with my roots. Use a potting mix that is light and airy; I despise having my roots compacted in heavy, wet soil. As I grow, I will tell you what I need. If my leaves pale, I may need a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Pinch my growing tip! I know it seems counterintuitive, but this encourages me to become bushier and stronger, diverting my energy to create side shoots instead of one tall, spindly stem. Rotate my pot regularly to ensure I grow straight and even, as I will naturally bend toward the light source.
I have grown strong and lush indoors, but the outside world is harsh. The sun is more intense, the wind is stronger, and the temperatures fluctuate. You must prepare me gradually through a process called "hardening off." Do not simply move me outside permanently. Begin by placing me in a sheltered, shady spot for just a few hours each day, slowly increasing my exposure to direct sunlight and breeze over 7-10 days. This allows my leaves to thicken and adapt to the full sun, and my stem to toughen against the wind. Bringing me in at night is crucial until all risk of frost has passed. Rushing this step will shock me, scorching my leaves and stunting my growth, undoing all your careful work.
Once acclimated, I am ready to thrive in my permanent summer home. Plant me in a location where I will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Ensure my soil is exceptionally well-draining; my greatest fear is root rot. A container with drainage holes is a palace to me. Water me deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but never let me sit in water. As I grow and bloom, deadhead my spent flower heads. This tells me to focus my energy on producing more glorious blooms rather than setting seed. With this care, I will reward you with a vibrant display of color and foliage throughout the season.
