This mix has been used successfully by many growers over a long period although, given the environmental problems associated with peat extraction, an artificial peat moss would most likely be substituted by many propagators. Of course, commercial seed raising mixes can also be used. The medium should be reasonably moist before sowing the seed. Planting the seed Seed can be sown into punnets, small pots or tubes and is normally covered to a depth of about double the seed diameter. Fine seed is usually sprinkled over the surface of the seed mix and need only be pressed down firmly onto the mix without being actually covered.
Large seed needs to be well spaced to facilitate later transplanting.
The use of individual tubes is an advantage when only small quantities of plants are required. This allows large seed to be sown one to a tube while fine seed can be thinned out as germination occurs to leave the strongest single seedling. After sowing, the seed bed needs to be kept moist and sheltered from drying winds and from rain. Some sunlight is an advantage. With overhead watering, a fine spray is necessary to avoid damage to small seedlings.