Learning how to plant lantana seeds is easier compared to propagating them from cuttings. Although lantana cuttings grow much quicker than seeds, many growers choose to plant lantana from seeds to add a variety of colors to their UK gardens. In other words, this method allows you to determine the colors of the flowers even before they grow.
Lantanas, or also known as Yellow Sage, Spanish Flag, or Jamaican Mountain Sage, is an evergreen plant that produces flowers that can instantly add a pop of color to gardens in the UK and greenhouses. It’s also one of the easiest types of plants to grow for people who think they can’t grow plants.
In warmer climates, lantanas grow all year-round. However, in areas where the weather is mostly cold, lantanas are considered as an annual plant.
Planting Lantana Plants from Seeds
What makes lantana plants ideal for many growers is that it’s easy to take care of. Lantana seeds can grow even at the peak of the summer heat. Lantanas are classified as hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 10, but outside that zones, lantana seeds are grown indoors three months before the temperature rises above 75˚F.
Check out the steps involved in planting lantana seeds:
Step 1. Harvest lantana seeds
You can collect the Lantana seeds from the lantana plants itself. But before you can harvest it, you have to make sure that it’s ready for planting. One way of knowing is by looking at the seeds on the Lantana’s seed pods.
If the seeds have turned deep purple to black, it means that the seed is ripe. You’ll also notice the skin of the pods becoming wrinkly. You can harvest the seeds from the pods and get them ready to be planted.
Step 2. Soak seeds
Next, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This will soften the seeds’ outer coats which will make it easier for the embryos inside to start growing. Not only that, but soaking also removes any chemicals from the pesticides that could potentially hinder the seed from growing.
Step 3. Plant the seeds
After 24 hours, your lantana seeds should be ready for planting. Using a peat-based potting mix, bury the seeds at about 1/8 inch into the soil. Water the soil and keep it moist while the seeds are still trying to establish its roots.
Growing lantana seeds also need heat to help with the germination. Keep your soil’s temperature between 70˚F to 75˚F for the best results. Finally, cover the pot or container with plastic to keep the heat and moisture inside.
Step 4. Give your seeds light
Like other plants, lantanas require light to grow. Ideally, you should expose your lantana seeds to bright light, but don’t place them under direct sunlight. Grow them in partial shade or filter the sunlight by placing them inside a greenhouse.
Step 5. Wait for the seeds to sprout
Keep the plastic cover on until the seeds start sprouting. It could take at least 14 days to 2 months for the seed to sprout. Once they develop their true leaves, you can then transplant them to your planting area after the last frost has passed.
Planting in the Mini Greenhouse: Benefits
Greenhouse gardening in the UK offers a lot of benefits to many growers, especially those in areas where their climates don’t permit growing specific plants. Whether you choose to grow your plants in a smallpolytunnelor an elaborate one, greenhouses offer a lot of benefits for growers.
Benefit #1. Growing Variety of Plants
When you have a greenhouse, you can plant virtually any type of plant you want – be it a cold or warm-season plant. You won’t have to worry about relying on the seasonal demands of the market for vegetables and fruits. Planting in apolytunnelwill give you more freedom to plant whatever you like or experiment with growing exotic plants that are usually not commonly found in your area.
Benefit #2. Lessen Threat to Crops
Rodents and other animals like deer can eat your newly planted seed. By placing them inside a greenhouse, you can protect your plants from any sort of damage, including pest infestations, and make sure that they grow up well and strong. The enclosure will also help you keep beneficial insects inside yourpolytunnellike butterflies and bees that will help with plant pollination.
Benefit #3. Provide Optimum Environment for Plants
Apolytunnelallows you to provide your plants with the optimum growth environment – whether your plants need to be in a warm environment or a cool one – where they can grow up to be strong and healthy. Plants have different growth requirements and keeping them inside thepolytunnelwill amplify their growth because they’ll be receiving the much-needed growth requirements they need.
Benefit #4. Protection from Inclement Weather
Strong winds, heavy rains, blizzards, and dust storms can cause considerable harm to your plants. With a greenhouse, your plants will have an extra layer of protection, being that they’re enclosed within a plastic film or fiberglass.
Conclusion: How to Plant Lantana Seeds
Learning how to plant lantana seeds provides the best start for people who in the UK want to take up gardening as a hobby. They require little care and they are extremely drought-tolerant. If you’re thinking of adding new plants to your British garden, lantanas make a great choice.