? Seed Treatment
- Cold Stratification:
- Mix seeds with a small amount of moist sphagnum moss, vermiculite, or sand.
- Seal in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 4–6 weeks at 35–40°F (1–4°C).
- Check periodically to ensure the medium stays moist but not soggy.
- Do not allow seeds to freeze.
? Sowing Instructions
- When to Sow:
- After stratification, sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
- Outdoor sowing can be done in late fall to allow natural stratification.
- Soil Requirements:
- Use a light, well-draining, acidic medium — ideally a mix of peat moss and perlite or peat and fine sand.
- pH should be 4.5–6.0 (acidic).
- Light Requirements:
- Seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.
- Provide bright indirect light or use a grow light. Avoid full sun during germination.
- Sowing Depth:
- Surface sow the seeds directly onto the soil.
- Gently press them in to ensure contact with the surface.
- Watering:
- Mist gently and keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
- Maintain high humidity by covering with a plastic dome or placing the container in a clear plastic bag with ventilation holes.
- Germination Time:
- Rhododendron seeds are slow to sprout. Expect germination in 4–8 weeks, sometimes longer.
- Ideal temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C).
- Spacing & Transplanting:
- Once seedlings develop 2–3 sets of true leaves, carefully prick them out and transplant into individual pots.
- Use acidic, well-drained potting mix and handle gently, as young roots are delicate.
? Growing Tips:
- Patience is key — Rhododendrons are slow growers but very rewarding.
- Keep young plants in partial shade and protect from harsh sun or frost.
- Maintain acidic soil, consistent moisture, and avoid root disturbance.
- Ideal for woodland gardens, acidic soils, and shaded borders once mature.
Enjoy growing this beautiful native evergreen shrub, known for its lush foliage and large clusters of soft pink to white blooms in early summer! ?