Vermiculite is a mineral composed of flakes that can range in size from very tiny to quite large. Nurseries sell vermiculite commercially as a soil amendment and when you add it to soil, vermiculite provides aeration and drainage. Because vermiculite provides a sterile medium, it is often used, either alone or mixed with peat moss, as a seed starter.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Fill a plastic sandwich bag with moistened vermiculite.
- Place the seeds into the vermiculite and seal the bag.
- Place the bag in a warm, bright area. When the seeds germinate, carefully remove them from the bag and plant in a small planting pot filled with a mixture of equal parts of vermiculite and sphagnum peat moss.
- Feed the seedlings when they have their second set of leaves. Use a diluted solution (one-fourth the recommended strength) of all-purpose fertilizer.
FOR SEEDS THAT REQUIRE COLD MOIST STRATIFICATION
- Place 1/4 cup of moistened vermiculite in a plastic sandwich bag.
- Add the seeds to the vermiculite and seal the bag.
- Place the bag into the refrigerator for the prescribed amount of time.
- Plant the seedling in a pot of equal parts of vermiculite and peat moss.