From our perspective, we are tiny, dust-like specks of life, containing all the genetic potential to become a beautiful, cascading plant. Our primary need is light. Do not bury us deeply in the growing medium, as we require direct exposure to light to break our dormancy and trigger germination. Gently press us onto the surface of a fine, pre-moistened seed-starting mix. This mix should be sterile and well-draining to prevent our delicate, nascent structures from rotting. To maintain the high humidity we crave at this tender stage, cover our container with a clear plastic dome. This creates a miniature, controlled ecosystem, mimicking the consistent moisture of early spring.
For us to awaken, the environment must be just right. We need consistent, gentle warmth, with soil temperatures ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C). A seedling heat mat placed beneath our tray provides the perfect, steady warmth our metabolic processes require. While we need warmth at our roots, we also need ample bright, indirect light overhead. A south-facing windowsill might suffice, but a dedicated grow light positioned just a few inches above the plastic dome is far superior, ensuring we do not become weak and leggy as we stretch desperately for a light source. Under these perfect conditions, you should see the first signs of us, tiny green shoots, emerging in 10 to 15 days.
Once the majority of us have germinated, immediately remove the plastic dome to allow for air circulation and reduce the risk of a fungal disease called damping-off, which is fatal to us. The ambient air temperature can now be slightly cooler, around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Continue providing us with 12-16 hours of strong light daily, raising the light source as we grow to maintain a close proximity without touching our leaves. Our roots are incredibly fine and sensitive. Water us from below by placing our tray in a shallow dish of water, allowing the soil to wick up the moisture. This prevents you from dislodging or damaging us with a top-watering can.
When we develop our second set of true leaves, we are strong enough to be transplanted into our own individual cells or small pots. Handle us exclusively by our leaves, never by our fragile stems. Use a small tool, like a dibber or a pencil, to lift our entire root ball gently and settle us into a new home filled with a standard potting mix. This gives our root systems the space they need to expand and strengthen. About a week after this transplant, you can begin to nourish us with a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer to support our vigorous growth. In the final week or two before our permanent move outdoors, you must harden us off. This process involves gradually exposing us to outdoor conditions—wind, direct sun, and cooler temperatures—for increasing periods each day. This is essential for us to build resilience and avoid transplant shock.
