Sowing and germination

1. Maintain a temperature of 27-35 degrees C (81-95 degrees F), ideally 31-33 degrees C (88-91 degrees F). Use a thermometer, as temperatures that are too low or too high may reduce germination success.

2. Seeds may be soaked in warm water for 2-4 hours. If desired, use a properly diluted fungicide or seed stimulant according to its label. Keep the water warm throughout soaking. If a stable warm temperature cannot be maintained, skip this step.

3. Use a clean, loose, well-aerated and free-draining growing medium. A suitable mixture is approximately 50% peat-based potting mix or coco coir and 50% perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand or similar aeration material. Pure peat and dense, moisture-retentive soil are not recommended.

4. Use a clean container with drainage holes. Lay the seeds flat on the surface, press them gently into the medium or cover them with 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 in) of growing medium. Moisten carefully. The medium should remain slightly moist, never waterlogged.

5. Cover the container with a transparent lid or plastic film and keep it in a consistently warm location. Do not place the covered container in direct sunlight. Ventilate it once or twice daily for 15-30 minutes. Avoid waterlogging, complete drying and sudden temperature changes.

6. Light is not required during germination. Once seedlings emerge, move them to a bright location while maintaining warmth. Under favourable conditions, the first seedlings may appear within 3-4 days and most within 1-2 weeks.

7. After emergence, adjust watering together with temperature and light: reduce watering when temperature or light decreases. If the seed coat prevents the cotyledons from opening, moisten it first and then remove it very carefully.