If you enjoy germinating seeds at home or run a flower business or horticultural business, then vermiculite is ideal for the germination of seeds. Not only is it sterile but its aeration properties combined with its water-holding capacity makes it a very suitable medium for direct contact with the seeds.
If you are going to use vermiculite for germination, you need to use a finer grade of vermiculite. Vermiculite by itself needs a lot of attention with fertilization so it is recommended to use a mix. A good medium mix for germination is equal parts of vermiculite and potting soil or pine bark. Pine bark is a much better option. It is good idea to add nutrients to the mix too.
1. Fill seedling trays or a shallow container, which have drainage holes in, with the vermiculite mix, and then water well.
2. Sow seeds into the trays and press seeds down firmly and lightly cover with a layer of vermiculite if the seeds need covering.
3. Keep the trays in a warm and shaded dry area without any droughts. Avoid putting in the direct sunlight.
4. You can either spray with a fine mist daily.
5. Seeds will germinate within a few days. As soon as the plants germinate, it is important to add a weak fertilizer solution.
Replant the seedlings into beds when they are looking strong and before they get too leggy.
