![]() ![]() Keep weeds under control during the Chinese Lantern growing season.Seedlings will emerge in 15-21 days depending on soil and weather conditions.Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil then level and smooth.Sow seeds from fall to spring in the Deep South, Gulf, and Pacific Coast. Sow seeds thinly in sunny outdoor cold frame or seedbed in spring after danger of frost.Sowing Chinese Lanterns Directly in the Garden Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil.Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.Dig a hole for each plant, approximately 24 inches apart large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-drained soil.Transplanting Chinese Lanterns in the Garden If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the Chinese Lantern's plant structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. Be sure to protect these plants from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young Chinese Lantern plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for about a week. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.If you are growing in small cells in your garden, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F.Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.Sow indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. ![]()
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