Chinese Houses

300 seeds

How to Seed Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when daytime temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing in April–September, as extreme heat and humidity reduce germination.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds shallowly — about 0.3 cm deep. Lightly press the seeds into moist soil without covering heavily, as they need light to germinate.

3. Soil:
   Prefers loose, fertile, and well-drained soil.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid heavy or compacted soil.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F).

   • Place in a bright area with indirect sunlight until germination.

   • Once seedlings appear, move to full morning sun and partial afternoon shade.

   • Avoid direct intense Gulf sunlight during early stages.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–20 days in warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings are 6–8 cm tall, transplant into the garden or pots.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for good air circulation and bushy growth.

   • Harden plants gradually before placing in full sun.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full to partial sun — ideal exposure is morning sunlight and light shade after noon.

   • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water in early morning or evening.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing and blooming season.

   • Maintenance: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming.

   • Chinese Houses produce delicate tiers of violet, lavender, and white flowers resembling pagodas — perfect for borders, containers, and wildflower gardens.

   • Blooms from late winter to early summer in Gulf climates.