Herbal flowers are commonly used in gardens, streets, public squares, floral arrangements, flower beds, and in the decoration of both indoor and outdoor spaces. In this article, we will take several popular flowering plants such as red flowers, marigolds, national day chrysanthemums, zinnias, petunias, cockscombs, asters, and clover as examples to explain the method of plug propagation for herbaceous flowers.
Traditionally, herbaceous flowers are propagated through sowing in pots or directly in the soil. However, this method often requires a large amount of seeds, has difficulty controlling soil temperature, leads to uneven germination, is prone to underground pests, and results in low seedling survival rates. In recent years, plug propagation has become a more efficient alternative. This technique saves seeds, is easier to manage, produces stronger seedlings, eliminates the need for transplanting, and reduces the overall production time. Here’s how it works:
First, seed treatment is essential. Only high-quality, full seeds with high vigor and germination rates should be selected. For example, when preparing red flower seeds, they should be stirred in warm water at 60°C for 20 to 30 minutes before soaking. After soaking, remove the pods, rinse thoroughly with clean water, drain, and let them dry. Alternatively, you can soak the seeds in trisodium phosphate or gibberellin solution, then rinse and air dry.
Next, choose the right growing medium. Common substrates include peat soil, vermiculite, and perlite, which must be free from pathogens and pests. A typical mix is 2:1 peat to vermiculite, after being sifted. You can also create your own substrate by mixing well-rotted organic compost, furnace ash, and garden soil, but avoid adding inorganic fertilizers.
Then, select the appropriate plug tray. The size depends on the seed size. Commercially available trays come in 72-cell, 128-cell, 288-cell, and 293-cell formats. For smaller seeds like red flowers, marigolds, and zinnias, a 72-cell tray is suitable. For larger seeds such as petunias, cockscombs, and asters, a 128-cell tray is better. If reusing old plugs, make sure to clean, disinfect, and dry them before use.
After that, sow the seeds. Fill the plug tray with the prepared substrate, then gently level the surface using a glass or wooden board. Press the substrate lightly into the cells (the depth should be about 1–3 mm, not too compact). Place one seed per cell, then cover it lightly with fine soil.
Watering is crucial. Spray water until it reaches the bottom of the plug and begins to drain out. For very small seeds like petunias, do not cover them with soil and avoid watering from above. Instead, water from below. To prevent the seeds from being washed away, place a white sheet of paper on top. Once germination starts, the paper becomes clumpy and won’t interfere with growth.
Finally, ensure proper germination conditions. Place the trays in a greenhouse with proper shading to maintain high humidity and temperature. The ideal temperature is between 25°C and 30°C, with humidity over 95%. Germination times vary by species. Once the seedlings emerge, move them out of the greenhouse and allow them to grow for 7–10 days. When the seedlings reach 5–6 cm in height, they can be transplanted into pots or nutrient bowls for regular cultivation.
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