Plumeria Frangipani 'Salmon Pink' 4 Viable Seeds
Plumeria Frangipani 'Salmon Pink' 4 ViableSeeds
Plumeria, the Frangipani, also known as the Temple Trees and Lei flower, is native to warm tropical areas of the PacificIslands, Caribbean, South America and Mexico. The mixture I offer is harvested from pink, red, white and yellow flowered hybrids
The tree is best known for its showy clusters of waxy flowers produced over a long period in Summer. These flowers are treasured by the Polynesian Islanders for their durability, fragrances and colors of whites, yellows, pinks, reds, and multiple pastels. Many will bloom before developing leaves, others will not. Plumeria flowers have five petals, although flowers with four, six, seven or more petals are not uncommon. Some types of flowers do not fully open and are referred to as shell, semi-shell, or tulip like. Most flowers have a strong pleasant fragrance that is most intense during the early part of the day. There is absolutely nothing like the sweet fragrance of Plumeria in flower, with fragrances of jasmine, citrus, spices, gardenia, and other indescribable scents. Flowering can last up to 3 months at a time producing new blooms everyday. Once picked, a bloom can last for several days without wilting if kept in water.
Plumeria leaves are deciduous, green, large and shiny. However, when examined closely, they can exhibit remarkable color variation that is species and variety dependent. The Plumeria branch tip is where new growth including leaves and flowers occur. The branch and its tip are interesting, since the tip is usually the same diameter as the rest of the branch.
Sowing - First, fill small plastic trays or pots with your favorite potting soil. The seeds are almost flat, pale brown,
2.5 cm long with a fibrous tail. Before sowing, soak the seed for 2 hours in warm water, then sow 1/16 inche deep in a good, moist but not wet, free draining compost, leaving the wing sticking up. Pinch the soil against the seed to insure good contact. Seal in a polythene bag or cover with glass until germination. Finally, place them in a sunny location and let 'em grow. Keep the soil moist and they should germinate within 14-30 days at 21°C /70°F, it can be a little more, don't give up. Once the seedlings are well through, remove the glass or polythene bag progressively and place the seed container in a well lit, well ventilated place at a temperature of around 15-18°C (60-65°F).
Light - PLUMERIAS PREFER FULL SUN, but they must be worked up to it gradually if they have been shaded for a long time. Even stems may sunburn when brought out from winter storage if not exposed gradually to the full sun. They do need a lot of sun to bloom. They like bright airy places such as sunny, ventilated greenhouses. Places that cactus and succulents grow well are good for plumeria.
Water - These plants are known for their incredible ability to grow leaves and bloom from unrooted cuttings. This is possible because the stems store moisture for extended periods. Water them only after they have begun to dry, but water them well, being sure that all water drains away. THEY DO NOT LIKE WET FEET. In the winter they should be very dry. Evergreen varieties like a bit drier culture. The plants like to be damp, not soggy, and not completely dry except in the winter.
Re-Potting in Spring - The 4-6 inch pot your plumeria was rooted in is too small to keep the plant growing vigorously after the first year or two. Aim for a 10-inch or larger pot for the next several years of growth. Most commercial potting mixes will work especially with the addition of drainage materials such as sand, Perlite, etc. and some extra organic matter such as peat or composted manure.
Pruning - THESE PLANTS CAN BE PRUNED AT ANY TIME with a sharp knife, cutting at an angle so the cut will not hold moisture. The plants will "bleed" their latex sap, but they will stop bleeding in a day or so. Dipping the cuts in water briefly will help stop the flow. You should prune them if they begin to grow tall so the blooms will appear at a more reasonable height. They will branch and bloom again even more prolifically from new branches. The cuttings themselves may bloom even before they leaf out. © plumeria2u
Propagating Plumeria from seed is fun and exciting. Plumeria seeds are not true to the parent plant. Which means the seedlings can be very different from the parent plumeria. Seeds are the reason we have over 300 named varieties.
