The desire to grow green in one’s home is more and more widespread. Some plants are less suitable for this purpose.
A pot, a bit of soil and a seed: it doesn’t take more than that to have the pleasure of witnessing the miracle of germination and growth of a plant!
Contents
The 3 best indoor plants to grow from seed
1) Aloe Vera
This marvellous plant with the long very pointed leaves is a true miracle of nature. It is used for its qualities of cicatrization and care of the skin (burns, abrasions, irritations, sunstroke…). It is enough to break a leaf and to apply the juice which comes out of it.
Where and how to grow aloe vera indoors?
The aloe vera likes the ambient temperatures of the houses (less than 20°C). As it loves the sun, place the plant near the windows. It also likes dry soil, so water it every 2-3 days, no more.
2) Tomates
This beautiful fruit that grows on a plant native to Mexico, the Solanum lycopersicum, spread around the world after the colonization of the Americas by the Spanish. There are many varieties, especially small cherry tomatoes, which are perfect for indoor planting.
It is mainly for their good taste that they are chosen, but they are also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, K and help the skin to protect from the sun. Not bad!
Where and how to grow indoor tomatoes?
These tomatoes need a lot of light and warmth, so it is a good idea to place them in front of a south-facing window, or even to light them with a fluorescent lamp on dark winter days.
To make your tomatoes grow harmoniously indoors, it’s all about balance. The soil must be humid without being soggy. Note also that if the tomatoes are naturally fertilized by bumblebees, it is possible to do it by hand with a cotton bud as for squashes outdoors.
3) Basil
The basil is a plant of the mint family, with a syrupy perfume. There are several varieties of it in particular the lemon basil, the aniseed basil or the purple basil.
Basil is one of the most appreciated herbs because it accompanies many foods, such as cheese, pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, soups and many other dishes. Common basil is used in Italian cuisine, and other varieties of basil in Asian cuisines.
Where and how to grow basil indoors
Basil grows best behind a south-facing window because it likes sun and heat.
It should be planted in a well-drained pot where the soil is very moist without being soaked. Other plants cohabit very well with basil: you can place it near cabbages, squash, beans, tomatoes.
Choosing your indoor plant seeds
You will find thousands of them, of all types. Only, we offer you some of the most popular and beautiful, once grown.
Agave Seeds
These include the type of cactus seeds. The agaves have a large rosette of thick leaves with small flowers, very decorative. Also, there are several types of Agave, namely the agave montana which is better adapted in cold and humid climates, even hot.
However, water is its best ally to ensure good growth. Currently, this type of agave still exists in small quantities. It survives at temperatures below 15° C. Thus, always make sure that it is not too exposed to the sun.
The germination of its seeds only takes a maximum of one month. Therefore, you will need to water it regularly and moderately. Choose a larger pot to ensure its good development.
Otherwise, the plants resulting from seeds of agave victoria reginae, striata, are also “very” decorative.
Aloe Vera Seeds
Also, these Aloe vera seeds exist in several species, among others, aloe aristata, ciliaris, pluridens. Aloe is in fact a fat plant with more or less short roots. It is, in fact, to use terracotta, put a little clay beads in it, then expose it to the sun.
Seeds of exotic, tropical indoor plants
Exotic plants are very popular with Europeans and travel enthusiasts. In the list, there are the seeds of ferns and bamboos. For potted bamboos, you place clay balls at the bottom. Water lightly the soil you have just put in the pot. Then pour in the bamboo seeds. Always keep the moisture balance of the potting soil. Potted bamboos embellish the interior, including balconies.
10 tips for growing your indoor plants from seed
1. Study the seeds
Different seeds and seedlings have different growth needs. Make sure you understand the requirements of each plant and be prepared to meet them. Grouping plants with similar needs will make it easier to maintain indoor seedlings.
2. Plan the timing of seeds
It is necessary to be aware of the time it takes for the seeds to germinate. Then, to make it safe to transplant them outdoors, you need to know when the seedlings will reach the appropriate size. This is the starting point and you need to start seeding at a strategic date. You can even stagger the seeds, this way you will benefit from a longer harvest.
3. Try biodegradable containers
Seedlings have fragile root hairs which are essential to them. Indeed, plants need them to absorb water and nutrients. Especially since transplanting can be stressful for some delicate plants. Instead of having to remove plants from plastic pots, opt for other, more manageable supports. You can use newspaper cups, egg shells, paper egg cartons. The aim is that the seedlings should not be disturbed at all.
4. Put labels on each jar
Many seedlings look alike when they are very young. Because of this, it is likely to be lost during transplantation. By carefully labelling the pots beforehand, you will be able to transplant the seedlings more efficiently.
5. Planting more than you need
With a random success rate, not all seeds in the same packet are likely to germinate. And not all seedlings will be the same in terms of robustness. By planting more than enough, you can choose the most robust plants at the time of transfer. You can also share the excess plants with family members, friends and neighbors.
Summary
Growing seeds indoors can seem intimidating for gardeners who may not have green thumbs. And yet, with the right preparation and careful care, it’s really not difficult to do.
For just a few dollars, a packet of seeds can produce a dozen or more plants. That’s why growing plants from seed is much cheaper. Especially since you can even exchange varieties with gardener friends. By growing a different seed, and the seedlings are ready for transplanting, the exchange is very profitable for everyone.
