How to grow Pasque flower from seeds

 

Pasque flower is also known as Pulsatilla vulgaris and it belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Pasque flower has urn-shaped flowers and green fern-like foliage that can add ornamental value to your garden. Pulsatilla vulgaris USDA hardiness zones are 2B, 3A, 3B, 4 to 6 and 15 to 17. Even though Pulsatilla vulgaris can be grown from root cuttings taken in winter, the plant have sensitive roots and the mother plant may get damaged in the process. Growing Pasque flower from seed is a better option. The following are the steps on how to grow Pasque flower from seed;

 

Step 1: To start fill half of a plastic, reseal able sandwich bag with a moist seed-starting mix. Then place the Pasque flower seeds in the bag and then shake it very lightly. You need seal the plastic bag and then place it in the refrigerator for about 5 weeks. Make sure you check the soil regularly and if needed you can moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle.

 

Step 2: Fill a seed-raising flat with moist seed-starting mix up to half inch from the top. Remove the Pasque flower seeds from the refrigerator and then spread them evenly over the soil surface in the tray. Cover the Pasque flower seeds with a 1/8-inch layer of soil. Tamp the soil so it's firm over the Pasque flower seeds.

 

Step 3: You have to spray the soil with water and then cover the tray with plastic wrap or a glass pane to promote soil moisture retention. Try to keep the soil moist throughout the germination process. Place the tray in a room at about sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit and expect the Pasque flower seeds to germinate within 3 weeks. You have to remove the plastic wrap after germination and then place the tray in a sunny window so the seedlings can grow.

 

 

Step 4: You have to thin the seedlings about 3 weeks after germination. You can use a sharp scissors to cut the weak, small seedlings at soil level, so that only the strong seedlings will remain.

 

Step 5: Always place the seed-raising tray outside for about 2 hours per day for about one week period. You can start this hardening process when the seedlings are large enough to handle. Later on you can gradually increase the amount of time that you leave the seedlings outside so they can slowly acclimate to the outdoor environment.

 

Step 6: Cultivate the soil in the sunny area of your garden. If you actually live in an area where summers are hot, you can select an area that offers protection from the afternoon sun. Remove the weeds with your hands or you can use a garden hoe. Work a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil and then apply an all-purpose fertilizer. You have to rake the soil to level the planting surface.

 

Step 7: Transplant the seedlings in the garden and then space them about twelve inches apart. You have to plant them at the same depth as they were planted in the seed-raising tray. Make sure you water them immediately after transplanting.

 

Step 8: You need to maintain a regular watering schedule while the plants stabilize during the growing season -- try to keep the soil moist. Once they are established water them as needed. The established Pasque flower plants are drought tolerant and the plant only need water during extreme drought to keep them from wilting.