Floss Flower Blue Mink

2000 seeds

How to Seed Floss Flower ‘Blue Mink’ (Ageratum houstonianum)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 18–26°C (64–79°F).

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

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as high heat and humidity reduce germination and flower quality.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil — do not cover, as Ageratum seeds need light to germinate.
   Press gently and mist lightly with water to keep the surface evenly moist.

3. Soil:
   Prefers rich, loose, and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid compacted or soggy soil to prevent root diseases.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

   • Requires bright light or full morning sun for healthy growth.

   • In the Gulf, morning sunlight with partial afternoon shade gives best results and prevents leaf scorching.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

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

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for bushy and compact growth.

   • Handle seedlings gently, as young stems are delicate.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full morning sun with partial shade after noon.

   • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water more often in sandy soil.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season for continuous flowering.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms regularly (deadhead) to encourage new flowers.

   • The ‘Blue Mink’ variety produces dense clusters of soft, powder-blue blooms and compact, uniform growth — ideal for borders, pots, and bedding displays.

   • Blooms from late winter to early summer in the Gulf region.