A. Asterias Seed Mix

There are several ways on how to grow Cacti from seeds, in this tutorial I will share the method of growing cacti from seeds using the Baggy Method. When done correctly we find that this method is very effective.

Materials Needed:

Seeds

Pot & containers – clean and sterilized (Save substrate by using smaller pots)

Plastic bags – resealable bags (quart size)

Label & Markers

Water & Spray Bottle

SUBSTRATE/ SOIL MEDIUM

There is no perfect soil for sowing cactus seeds, you can use any soil medium available to you as long as it can hold moisture without being too compact at the same time. Ideal soil for us is a mixture of 60%-80% organic material such as sifted topsoil/garden soil, peat moss, coco coir mix with 20%-40%  inorganic material such as coarse grain sand, perlite, pumice, turface mvp, akadama, granulated calclined clay, fine gravel.

SOWING

Proceed to fill the pot with soil and moist the substrate. Once the soil is moist, try to sprinkle the seeds evenly in the substrate, you do not need to bury the seeds. Place the pot with seeds in the plastic bag and spray with water before sealing the bag completely air tight.

Choose a warm spot with right shade for your cactus seeds. Do not expose the bag to direct sun. Refrain from opening the bag for at least 4months unless necessary. Keeping them inside the bag will provide the necessary level of humidity and heat that seeds require in order to germinate. The bag will also help maintain a sterile growing environment for the cacti. Seeds will start germinating as early as few days to few weeks depending on the type of cactus you are sowing.

We find that the seeds germinate faster when the temperature is between 75-85 Fahrenheit. While it is convenient to sow cacti seeds during spring and summer you may sow cacti seeds anytime of the year if you are able to provide the ideal temperature & light, you may grow them indoors in the heated room under a grow light and heat mat during the cold winter months.

HAPPY GROWING!