Sowing Succulent Seed

Materials

Dudleya and/or Agave shawii seeds (ethically sourced). You will soon be able to pick some up from the RTSPB seed library while supplies last.
Shallow seed flats or a shallow tray with drainage.
Fine, well-draining soil mix: cactus soil mix works well and you can find it in many stores. Ideally it would be mixed with some perlite.
Spray bottle for gentle watering.
Bright light source (bright indirect / morning sun) - near a window.
Optional: Pumice/perlite/grit for mixing and top dressing. Clear dome or plastic cover to keep humidity at first, but with ventilation.

Step-by-step sowing

1) Timing

Sow in fall to early winter in temperate zones.

2) Prepare the sowing mix & tray

Use a well-draining, but fine soil that will hold slight moisture —

e.g., a mix of cactus or succulent soil mix + 30–50% coarse sand or perlite.

Fill flats and press lightly so the surface is level but not compacted.

3) Moisten the mix

Moisten the tray from below or mist the surface so the soil is evenly damp but not waterlogged.

Let excess drain away before adding seed.

4) Sow seeds on the surface (do not bury)

Sprinkle the seed thinly across the surface. Do not cover with a deep layer of soil;

a very light dusting of fine grit or vermiculite is optional. Light exposure helps germination.

5) Light & temperature

Provide bright light — bright indirect or morning sun, with protection from hot afternoon sun.

Optional: Cover

Place a clear dome or cover loosely to keep humidity while the seeds germinate.

Provide ventilation daily (open briefly) to prevent fungal damping-off. If you don’t use a dome,

keep the surface consistently but lightly moist by misting.

6) Watering during germination

Mist the surface 1–2× daily as needed so it stays lightly moist but never soggy. Use very gentle watering — a spray bottle or bottom water. Over-watering is a common killer.

7) Germination timeline & patience

Germination can be quick (a week or two in good conditions) or may take up to a month or longer depending on species and conditions — plan for slow visible growth; the first year is often tiny.

9) Ventilation & fungus checks

Once seedlings appear, keep good air flow. If you see mold, water less — small seedlings are vulnerable to rot.

10) First transplant (when seedlings are handleable)

When seedlings develop, gently transplant them into individual 2–3″ pots containing a gritty, well-draining succulent mix (peat/sand/perlite or a pumice mix).

Seedling care

Keep seedlings in bright light with some morning sun; protect from hot midday sun.

Water sparingly as they develop — maintain moist in the cool growing season, then taper in summer.

Use pots that keep roots cool (burying pots slightly or using light-colored pots helps).

Above all bee patient! Continued good drainage, correct seasonal watering (more in winter/spring, very limited in summer), and protection from extreme heat/frost will help the plants reach maturity.

Quick troubleshooting (common problems)

No growth: check light, keep surface slightly moist, and be patient (some batches take longer).
Rot / mold: improve air circulation, water less.
Seedlings die after transplant: ensure transplant medium is gritty and drains well; avoid overwatering and sudden heat.

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