Bacopa is a beautiful flowering plant that can add a lovely pop of color and texture to gardens, hanging baskets, and containers. Though commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates, it is actually a tender perennial in zones 8-11. If you’d like to grow this pretty plant from seed, there are some key things to know about bacopa seed germination, storage, and sowing for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share tips and tricks for getting the most out of your bacopa seeds.
Bacopa goes by a few common names like sutera, snowflake, and water hyssop. There are a few popular varieties grown including ‘Snowflake’ which has white flowers and ‘Blue Showers’ which boasts light blue blooms. The herbaceous plant is known for its small green leaves and abundant flowers that bloom spring through fall.
Though bacopa can be purchased as started plants, growing it from seed can be rewarding. The small seeds should be started indoors to get seedlings off to a vigorous start before transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed
Germinating Bacopa Seeds Successfully
Germination is the process of seeds sprouting and seedlings emerging Here are some tips for robust bacopa germination
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date
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Use a seed starting mix and plant seeds just below the surface.
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Keep seeds consistently moist and provide warmth between 70-75°F.
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Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. Pot up or transplant outside after hardening off seedlings.
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Alternately, seeds can be directly sown outside 1-2 weeks before last frost provided soil temps are at least 60°F.
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Seeds germinate best with 12 hours of light per day. Supplemental lighting helps for indoor starts.
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Thin bacopa seedlings 8-12″ apart after sprouting both for indoor starts and direct sown plants.
Proper germination results in healthy bacopa seedlings ready to prosper into mature, blooming plants. Pay close attention to moisture, light, and warmth when starting seeds.
Storing Bacopa Seeds Correctly
For the best viability, bacopa seeds should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Consider these tips for proper storage:
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Allow seeds to fully dry on the plants before collecting seeds.
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Place seeds in an airtight jar or zip-top bag, preferably with a desiccant packet.
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Store bacopa seeds in the refrigerator or another location with temps between 35-40°F.
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When stored properly, bacopa seeds remain viable for up to 2 years.
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Check seeds occasionally; discard any that are moldy. Replenish desiccant packs as needed.
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For best germination rates, use fresh seeds within a year.
Following the right storage methods allows gardeners to save bacopa seeds from season to season for future plantings.
Sowing Bacopa Seeds in the Garden
Once you’ve mastered bacopa seed germination and storage, it’s time to focus on sowing. Here are some sowing tips:
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Prepare a seedbed in full sun to part sun with rich, well-draining soil. Remove weeds, debris, and work in compost.
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Bacopa seeds need light to germinate. Sow seeds on soil surface then gently press into soil.
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Space seeds 4-6″ apart in rows or clusters.
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Water gently to moisten soil after sowing. Keep soil moist, but not saturated.
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Cover seeded beds with floating row covers to retain moisture and heat.
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Thin bacopa seedlings after sprouting for proper spacing and growth.
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Transplant seedlings after hardening off or thin direct sown plants.
With the right sowing techniques, bacopa readily germinates and grows into lovely flowering plants that will thrive all season long.
Getting bacopa started from seeds does take some time and care, but the end result is worth it. Now that you know how to master bacopa seed germination, storage, and sowing, you can grow this delightful plant with ease. Be sure to collect some fresh seeds at the end of the growing season for next year’s garden too!
How to Plant Bacopa
- Fill starter trays with moistened seed starting soil
- Bacopa seeds need light to germinate, so press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them
- Lay clear plastic wrap loosely on top of the tray to help hold in moisture
- Place the tray in a bright, warm window
- Lift the plastic wrap each day to mist down the soil and seeds
- Once sprouts emerge, remove the plastic wrap
- Continue growing the Bacopa in a bright sunny window or under grow lights
- Water the plants daily
- Once there are true leaves, provide a water soluable fertilizer diluted to half strength
- Pinch back growing tips to encourage a bushier growth habit
- Harden off the plants for 7 – 10 days prior to transplanting outdoors
- Bacopa plants need a consistent watering schedule – if the plants dry out even for a day or two, blooming will stop. Once theyre watered again consistently, they will start blooming again, but it may take a week or two to be fully loaded with blooms again
- Bacopa is a heavy feeder so provide a balanced water soluable fertilizer every 2 – 3 weeks – like a 10-10-10
- Theres no need to deadhead, but occasionally some light pruning is needed
Quick Facts About Bacopa
Bacopa plants are the perfect “spillers” for containers. Their cascading habit spills over the sides of baskets, pots, and window boxes. It blooms non-stop from spring through autumn, and in warm climates, it will survive the winters. For an endless display, Bacopa, is a great addition to any container and blends in well with other flowers.
Start Bacopa seeds about 8 weeks prior to the end of frost season. Transplant outside once frost danger has passed.
Bacopa plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. An ideal location would have full morning sun and some shade in the afternoon. Bacopa can be grown in all containers and in the ground as a low ground cover.
How to Grow Bacopa from Seed | Sowing, Seedlings, Transplanting, Planting Bacopa | Alexa’s Garden
FAQ
How do you germinate bacopa seeds?
How long does it take bacopa to germinate?
Does bacopa like sun or shade?
Does the bacopa plant come back every year?
Where can I buy Bacopa seeds?
This can be done at many garden centers or greenhouses. If seeds are not available this way, many online stores offer bacopa seeds for sale. Your bacopa seeds will grow best in potting soil rather than topsoil, so make sure to purchase some potting soil to plant the seeds in. 2. Find a container to plant in
Can you grow Bacopa from seed?
Bacopa plants are easy to grow from seed, and with proper care, they can provide years of enjoyment. Bacopa plant seeds can be germinated indoors or outdoors. If you choose to germinate the seeds indoors, start by filling a seed tray or small pots with seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil and sprinkle the seeds on top.
How do you grow a Bacopa plant?
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist them with water to keep them moist. Keep the seed tray or pots in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill. Bacopa plant seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate, so be patient. Once the seedlings have emerged, continue to keep the soil moist and provide them with adequate light.
How long does it take for Bacopa seeds to germinate?
Your bacopa seeds should germinate 7-14 days after they are planted. This timeframe may change depending on how consistently you are keeping the soil moist and in the light. A seed that isn’t well taken care of will take longer to germinate or die before ever sprouting. To plant bacopa from seed, you can follow the following steps 1.