How to use vermiculite to germination?

Vermiculite is a mineral composed of flakes that can range in size from very tiny to quite large. Nurseries sell vermiculite commercially as a soil amendment and when you add it to soil, vermiculite provides aeration and drainage. Because vermiculite provides a sterile medium, it is often used, either alone or mixed with peat moss, as a seed starter.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Fill a plastic sandwich bag with moistened vermiculite.
  2. Place the seeds into the vermiculite and seal the bag.
  3. Place the bag in a warm, bright area. When the seeds germinate, carefully remove them from the bag and plant in a small planting pot filled with a mixture of equal parts of vermiculite and sphagnum peat moss.
  4. Feed the seedlings when they have their second set of leaves. Use a diluted solution (one-fourth the recommended strength) of all-purpose fertilizer.

FOR SEEDS THAT REQUIRE COLD MOIST STRATIFICATION

  1. Place 1/4 cup of moistened vermiculite in a plastic sandwich bag.
  2. Add the seeds to the vermiculite and seal the bag.
  3. Place the bag into the refrigerator for the prescribed amount of time.
  4. Plant the seedling in a pot of equal parts of vermiculite and peat moss.