When you think of Aloe Vera, most people imagine it as something you slather on after a sunburn. While that is certainly one excellent use for it, there are many other beneficial applications for this magical plant!
This article will discuss the healing properties of aloe vera, how to grow it, use it as a natural facial moisturizer, along with ways to use it in the garden to feed and support the health of other plants.
Even if you aren’t able to grow your own aloe at home, there are still ways to obtain and use aloe vera in your garden. We’ll talk about that too.
Be sure to check out the accompanying video at the end of this post. I show you the various aloe vera plants around our garden, harvesting some leaves, processing them, and how we use aloe vera as a soil drench for newly transplanted seedlings – as well as for other (spoiled!) established plants!
Growing beautiful healthy aloe plants starts with understanding how to properly handle the seeds. In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about aloe plant seeds including germination, storage and sowing techniques.
Aloe seeds are small black seeds enclosed in a clear jelly-like coating. They are produced by aloe plants after flowering. The seeds can be collected from spent flower stalks once the pods crack open and the seeds are visible.
Fresh aloe seeds have the highest viability rates for germination. However, with proper harvesting, cleaning and storage techniques, aloe seeds can maintain good germination rates for 1-2 years after harvest.
Germinating Aloe Plant Seeds
Germination is the process of a seed sprouting and beginning to grow. Here are some key tips for successfully germinating your aloe seeds:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need containers, seed starting mix, plastic bags, labels, water spray bottle.
Prepare the Seeds
- Carefully remove the jelly coating from around the seeds. This helps improve germination.
- Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours.
Plant the Seeds
- Fill starter containers with seed starting mix.
- Plant 1-2 seeds in each container just below the mix surface.
Create a Humid Environment
- Water the seed starting mix well. It should be moist but not soggy.
- Place each container in a plastic bag and seal. This creates a greenhouse environment.
Provide Warmth
- Keep containers at 70-80°F. Aloes prefer warm germination temperatures.
Wait for Germination
- Most seeds will germinate within 2-4 weeks.
- Once sprouted, remove the plastic bags.
Care for Seedlings
- Place seedlings in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Transplant into individual containers once 2 sets of leaves appear.
Storing Aloe Seeds
If you harvest more seeds than you can immediately plant, proper storage is important for maintaining seed viability.
Harvest and Dry Seeds
- Collect seeds from fully mature, dried pods.
- Clean and fully dry fresh seeds before storage.
Control Temperature and Humidity
- Store seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
- The low, consistent temperatures help retain viability.
Avoid Light and Moisture
- Ensure seeds stay dry by using desiccant packs.
- Store container in a dark location.
Use Seeds Within 1-2 Years
- Stored correctly, aloe seeds remain viable for 1-2 years.
- Discard seeds more than 2 years old.
With proper harvesting techniques and storage, aloe seeds can be preserved for the next growing season.
Sowing and Growing Aloe Plants
Once your aloe seeds have sprouted and become established seedlings, it’s time to transplant them into the garden.
Select an Arid Climate Site
Aloes thrive in arid conditions with full sun and well-drained soil.
Amend Soil if Needed
Ideal soil is slightly acidic, sandy and gritty. Amend clay-heavy garden soils with sand or perlite.
Allow Space for Growth
Plant smaller aloe varieties 12-18 inches apart. Larger varieties need 24-36 inch spacing.
Plant at Correct Depth
Carefully transplant seedlings at the same soil depth as in starter containers.
Water Sparingly After Planting
Water gently every 7-10 days until established. Too much moisture causes rot.
Fertilize for Growth
Use a balanced cactus fertilizer a few times during the growing season.
Watch for Pests
Inspect regularly for common aloe pests like mealybugs and aphids.
With the right growing conditions and care, aloe seedlings will flourish into gorgeous, useful plants for any garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aloe Seeds
How do I harvest aloe seeds?
Wait for the seed pods to fully mature and crack open slightly. Carefully collect the seeds and remove the jelly coating. Let seeds dry for 1-2 days before storage.
What’s the best way to plant aloe seeds?
Start seeds in containers filled with seed starting mix. Barely cover with mix, keep warm and moist. Thin and transplant seedlings once established.
How long do aloe seeds take to sprout?
With proper germination conditions, most aloe seeds will sprout within 2-4 weeks after planting. Be patient!
Can I grow aloe plants from cuttings?
Yes! Cut a healthy leaf from a mature plant. Allow the cut end to callous and plant in soil. New baby aloe plants will begin to emerge.
What temperature do aloe seeds need to germinate?
Aloe seeds germinate best at warm temperatures between 70-80°F. Cooler temperatures can inhibit or delay germination.
Growing aloe plants from seeds may require some patience, but it’s ultimately rewarding. Follow these tips for collecting, storing and planting aloe seeds, and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, useful aloe plant.
Aloe Vera Benefits to Plants
In addition to human-use, we can apply the stellar properties of aloe vera to benefit other plants – like those in your garden! Aloe contains plant hormones that help stimulate new root growth, aid in seed germination, and can ease or prevent transplant shock. We try to water our newly transplanted seedlings with aloe vera, especially if they’re looking stressed. Another way to prevent transplant shock is properly hardening off indoor seedlings before they are planted outdoors.
As a nutrient accumulator, aloe vera is reported to contain over 75 active constituents, including amino acids, enzymes, lignins, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins (A, C, E, and B2, 3, 5, 6, & 12) along with choline, calcium, magnesium, zinc & more. These things combined make aloe a natural, mild but potent “fertilizer” for plants. This superfood-like tonic can be used for enhancing root development, cell strength, and overall plant vitality!
Aloe vera also promotes a strong plant immune system for disease resistance. It contains three very important compounds for plant health: acemannan, saponins, and salicylic acid.
Acemannan is a therapeutic compound in aloe vera that stimulates the immune system and has antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal properties. It also aids in wound healing. Saponins help protect the plant from harmful microbes, yeast, mold, and fungi.
Salicylic acid is involved in local and systemic plant defense responses against pathogens, by enhancing the plant’s systemic acquired resistance (SAR). SAR is essentially the plant equivalent of the human immune system. It protects the plant and increases its resistance to environmental stresses such as drought, chilling, heat, heavy metal toxicity, and osmotic stress.
Pretty rad, right?! And guess what? We can easily gift all of the good stuff inside aloe to other plants – through a soil drench or foliar spray.. I’m sure you’re eager to try now after reading all of that!
HOW TO GROW ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow plant both outdoors or in containers inside! Apparently, it is also pretty easy to grow aloe from seed, though we never have. Instead, we’ve obtained started plants from our local nursery. Aloe barbadensis shouldn’t be hard to find. I even see it at Home Depot frequently!
An established aloe vera plant will often put off “pups” – baby plants growing from under and around it. Those can be separated to establish more new plants too! If you need to separate a pup from its mother that is growing in the ground, gently loosen and push away soil around it, then gently dig down and pull the pup away from as deep as possible. The idea is to try to keep some of its roots in tact, and not just break it off at the soil line. For potted plants, it may be easiest to take the whole family out of the pot and gently pull them apart instead.
