Popularly known as Aboli in India, this wonderful flowering plant a delight to grow from seeds. Whether you're looking to find the perfect flower seeds to start outdoors or indoors and grow them wherever you please, the Aboli seeds are just what you need. Beloved for their wonderful adaptability and versatility, the stunning Crossandra flower shows us that there is great beauty in simplicity.
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• Origins of the Crossandra Flower
Scientifically known as Crossandra infundibuliformis, the Crossandra plant is a semi-tropical, perennial flowering plant known for its unique, vibrant yet simple flowers. Native to the of South India and most parts of Sri Lanka, this wonderful plant has seen sky-rocketing popularity in gardens across the world due to its ornamental appeal and fuss-free nature.
The Crossandra plant thrives in warm and rather humid conditions, often being especially admired for its continuous flowering. Its blooms, often in shades of orange, pink-salmon, and yellow, display a tubular shape and are arranged in clusters, giving the plant its nickname, the "Firecracker Flower."
• Starting Your Crossandra Plant Seeds
Whether you're growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers, the process of growing plants from seeds is a very rewarding one. The same goes for when you're growing Aboli seeds. However, when growing Crossandra from seed, you need a little more patience and attention to detail. But the process is rather straightforward and simple once you know what to do.
So, let's get into it and try to understand more about how to grow and how to care for crossandra plants when growing from seeds:
1. Seed Preparation
For this, you must first start by soaking your Crossandra plant seeds in warm water for up to 12 hours. When this is done, it helps soften the hard outer coating of the seeds, making it easier for them to germinate.
2. Preparing Your Seeds
In simple words, one of the best media to grow your seeds - any seeds - is Cocopeat. However, if you wish to prepare a different soil mix for Aboli seeds, here's what you should add - prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of garden soil, compost, and sand. This mixture provides the right balance of nutrients and drainage that your Crossandra plant seeds need to germinate successfully. Always ensure that the soil is slightly moist but not waterlogged.
3. Sowing the Seeds
Sow your Aboli seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil mix you prepared. Lightly cover them with soil and water gently to allow the seeds to settle in place. Remember to maintain a warm, humid environment to encourage better and higher rates of germination, ideally between 21-24°C.
4. Germination
Aboli seeds typically germinate within 2-3 weeks. During this period, keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to some common Crossandra problems like seed rot. Once the seedlings emerge, gradually expose them to more light, ensuring they are not in direct sunlight initially.
5. Transplanting
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into your garden bed. When you brgin transplanting, remember to always handle the seedlings gently to avoid any damage to their delicate roots.
• How to Care for Crossandra Plant Once Mature
Once established, the Crossandra plant is relatively pretty easy to care for. However, before they get to that stage, they need proper care and attention from you - as do other plants that you may be growing from seeds.
When growing Crossandra, remember that it is crucial you know of its individual needs and preferences. So, here are some basics to know:
1. Watering Needs
Crossandra plants prefer consistent moisture, so you must water them regularly, especially during dry periods. But remember that the plant might need significantly less water during the colder months and seasons. Moreover, remember that avoiding waterlogging is key to proper plant growth. To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to water your plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
2. Light Requirements
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. While it's true that they can tolerate partial shade, placing them in a location that receives filtered sunlight for most of the day will encourage more abundant blooming during the Crossandra flowering season. If growing indoors, always place your plant near a window where it can receive the right kind of natural light that it needs to thrive.
3. Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Crossandra enjoys warm temperatures ranging from 18-29°C. It also thrives in high humidity, so remember to consistently mist its leaves or place the plant on a humidity tray if the environment around it is rather dry.
4. Fertilization
The best fertilizer for Crossandra plant is one that is balanced, all-round, and slow-release. This flowering plant needs to be fed properly in order to grow well, which means that you must keep proper track of its feeding schedules. For natural feeding from the beginning, you can also incorporate Epsom Salt into the soil of the plant or use it as topsoil to promote healthier, fuller flowering.
When growing Crossandra in pots, you can also make use of Ugaoo's Plant Food Bloom Sticks. Simply take one stick and push it into the potted plant's soil. This will keep your plant fertilized and fed for the next 60 days!
5. Pruning and Maintenance
With flowering plants, timely deadheading is key. You must regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Pruning the plant back in late winter or early spring months will also help maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Keep an eye out for common Crossandra problems such as aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections. If you spot any of these, immediately treat them with either insecticidal soap or Neem Oil.
Pro Tip: Neem Oil also makes for a great preventive measure. So use it as a foliar spray on your plants to avoid any unwanted pests.
With the right kind of care, this flowering plant can give you year-round blooms that will keep your garden vibrant and lively. So, care for it and it will reward you with open arms!
• Which Other Flowering Plants Can You Pair with the Aboli Plant?
The stunning tubular flowers of the Crossandra plant are known for their vibrant colors and delightful presence in gardens everywhere. Once you have grown this flowering plant in your garden, you can easily pair it with others to enhance the look and feel of your home garden.
So, here are a few other flowers that you can grow from seeds and pair with Aboli flowers:
1. Portulaca
Portulaca flowers, also known as Moss Roses, are vibrant, low-growing succulents that thrive in sunny, dry conditions. They boast bright, colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, adding a cheerful touch to gardens and containers. The best part about these flowering plants is that they are easy to grow and maintain, are drought-tolerant, and attract pollinators.
2. Cosmos
These wonderful daisy-like flowers are bright, vibrant blooms that come in pink, white, and orange. They thrive in full sun and are super easy to grow, attracting bees and butterflies. With their tall, airy stems and fern-like foliage, Cosmos flowers adds a whimsical touch to gardens and make lovely cut flowers.
3. Gaillardia
Gaillardia flowers, also known as Blanket Flowers, are vibrant, sun-loving perennials that also look like Daisies in bold shades of red, orange, and yellow. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, also attracting butterflies and bees. These hardy, drought-tolerant flowers are perfect for adding long-lasting color to gardens and borders.
These flowers will pair wonderfully with your stunning Crossandra flowers, giving your garden an instant facelift.
So, where and when will you be growing your Aboli flowers? Happy gardening!
