Germination

• 1). Fill a shallow germination flat with seed-starting mix. Add water to pre-moisten the mix and promote seed adherence to the soil.
  
  
• 2). Sprinkle seeds on the growing media surface. The lighter, smaller chaff in the seed packet will not interfere with the true seed germination. Cover the seeds with a layer of growing media that is twice as deep as the seed diameter, but no more than 1/16 inch.
  
  
• 3). Water the seeds with a fine spray mist and cover the flat with a plastic bag to preserve moisture. Insert a stick into the soil to prop up the plastic bag, place the flat in a warm area at 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and spray frequently keep the soil evenly moist. After germination 10 days to three weeks later, place the flat to a well-lit area with temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees F for three to four weeks.
  
  
• 4). Fill seedling tray cells with potting mix after the first true leaves appear, and remove the seedlings from the germination container. Grasp the seedlings by the leaves and gently pull up as you brush soil away from the roots. Form a hole in each cell slightly deeper than the roots, plant each seedling in a cell and cover the roots with the mix.
  
  
• 5). Water the soil until it is evenly moist. Place another plastic bag over the tray and keep the seedlings in moist soil at 55 to 60 degrees F.
  
  

Transplant

• 1). Remove the plastic bag when the seedlings are 6 inches tall, three or four days before transplant. In a hot, sunny southern climate, wait until the seedlings are 20 inches tall.
  
  
• 2). Work the soil with a trowel at the transplant site to aerate the soil and improve drainage. Plant each seedling 1 1/2 inches below the soil surface and lightly cover the roots with soil to prevent damage from the sun. Space the seedlings 6 to 10 feet apart to allow room for growth. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before the next watering.