Preparing to Grow
The requirements for bougainvillea seed growth are quite similar to those of the mature plant. Bougainvilleas demand well draining soil. Any quality potting soil will suffice as a growing medium as long as it drains well and is slightly acidic. Select a container that does not narrow at the top. The roots of bougainvilleas and delicate, when the time comes for transplanting, the bougainvillea needs to be able to slide easily out of the old container. The pot does not need to be deep, but should hold enough of the growing medium to make frequent watering unnecessary. The seeds will need a good light source.
A sunny windowsill or porch can do. If growing lights are to be used, make sure the light shines directly on the seeds. Ensure the heat from the lights is not too great. Bougainvillea seeds will enjoy some bottom warmth from a grow mat or appliance, but check to see they do not cook. If the surface is more than just slightly warm, relocate the container or raise it onto a baking rack or low feet. Adjust the light source as needed.
Planting the Seed
Sow the bougainvillea seeds on the surface of the soil, then gently “rake them in” to a depth not more than 2 to 3 times the thickness of the seeds. Water the seeds lightly.One easy method for providing moisture without disturbing the seed is to plant in a shallow container that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the container in a larger tray filled with water. Leave the container to wick up the water until the soil is moistened. Then remove the planted container and allow it to drain thoroughly. Water again only when the soil is completely dry.The bougainvillea seeds may show some early signs of growth. Be patient, though. Not all seeds will germinate at the same rate, even from the same parent plant. Seeds may take up to thirty days, but the results are worth the wait.
Bougainvillea Plant Seeds - Grow Indoors/Outdoor or Bonsai, Beautiful Tropical vine !
Bougainvilleas are fast growing, tropical, semi-evergreen vines from South America that produce cascading clusters of long lasting, brightly colored, petal-like bracts surrounding small tubular flowers from early spring through late summer.In zones 10-12
Bougainvillea plants can be grown in the garden where they can be trained to climb 10-20 feet to cover porches, archways or walls or they can be grown as a colorful, spreading ground cover.
Bougainvilleas are also well adapted to growing in containers and can be grown as house plants.
Bougainvilleas have strong, woody thorns.The older the plant gets, the longer and bigger the thorns will be.
Growing Bougainvillea Plants in the Garden
Bougainvillea plants do not transplant well, so select a sheltered planting site in full sun where they can grow undisturbed. They aren't overly fussy about the soil as long as it is well drained. However, the addition of compost, processed manure or peat moss to the planting hole will get your Bougainvillea off to a good start.
Bougainvilleas are very drought tolerant once established and should only be watered when the soil is dry an inch below the surface, except when growing in containers which should be kept slightly moist.
Feed your Bougainvillea monthly beginning in early spring using a low-nitrogen, bloom type fertilizer, following label directions carefully. Do not fertilize in the fall or winter.Prune freely after blooming. Flowers appear on the new growth.
Growing Bougainvilleas as House Plants
Bougainvilleas can be grown as house plants but they will not bloom well indoors unless you can provide a minimum of five hours of bright sun each day and adequate humidity.
They should be grown in a rich, well-drained commercial planting mix that is NOT pre-fertilized. Repotting should be done in late winter or early in the spring.
Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, but allow it to gradually dry out by winter.Feed actively growing plants every two weeks with a soluble house plant type fertilizer, following label directions carefully.
Bougainvilleas grow best with night temperatures of 65° and daytime temperatures of 70°-80°.
Grow your Bougainvillea on a strong trellis or prune it in the spring to maintain a shrubby growth habit. Container grown Bougainvilleas can be moved to a sunny spot in the garden for the summer, but should be allowed to gradually dry out before bringing them back indoors by mid autumn.
Inspect your plants carefully for spider mites, mealybugs and scale before returning them to the house.Propagating Bougainvillea Plants and Growing them from Seed
Bougainvillea seeds can be sown indoors at any time of the year. Maintain a temperature of 70°-75° within the growing medium until germination, which typically takes 30 days or longer.
