If you don’t own planting flats, you should purchase them at the same time as the seeds.
You could also prepare your own potting soil with a mix of equal parts vermiculite, peat moss and perlite. [4] X Research source It is best to start seeds in wide, shallow containers. Wide containers such as seeding flats or trays prevent overcrowding. [5] X Research source You can also use recycled plastic containers, such as yogurt containers. Punch holes in the bottom to help the soil drain.
Each seed needs to be in direct contact with the moist soil in order to germinate. [7] X Research source You can also use the bottom of a glass or a pestle to tamp the seeds into the soil.
If you are concerned about fungal infection or “damping-off,” you can sprinkle a mixture of fifty percent milled sphagnum and fifty percent starter chicken grit. Spread it thinly over the surface of the flats, which will help prevent pathogens. To retain moisture, you can put a plastic wrap over the seed tray. This will help to create a humid environment. [9] X Research source Avoid overwatering the seeds, which will disturb the seeds and prevent proper germination. If you put your finger an inch into the soil and it feels dry, you should water. If it is still damp, you don’t need to water.
To see whether the pot is full of roots, look underneath the four-inch pot. You should be able to see the roots through the water holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don’t have time to germinate the patchouli yourself, you can buy a seedling from the garden center or online.
Patchouli will grow as a container plant indoors. Just don’t place it too close to the window where it can easily burn. Patchouli doesn’t like temperatures that go below 15 Celsius (59 Fahrenheit). [13] X Research source
Choose branches that have at least one node, which is where you have a stem with little buds where flowers or leaves are growing. [16] X Research source If you have a friend with a pot of patchouli, you can use cuttings from their plant to grow patchouli. It is best to gather cuttings in the late summer or early fall.
Every three days, replace the water in the jar. For even more growth, dip the roots in a rooting hormone before placing them in the water.
If you live in a cooler climate where freezing occurs, you should bring the pots inside during the winter.
To determine whether the plants need water, put your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels a bit dry at the bottom of your finger, you should water the plants.
It is best to harvest in the morning or at least before noon. [25] X Research source It is best to only harvest about a third of the plant at a time, unless you are planning to pull the whole plant up at the end of the season.
