Seed germination

AUSPERL vermiculite is ideal for the germination of seeds because the aeration properties combined with its water holding capacity makes it a superb medium for direct contact with the seeds. Excellent for laboratory seed germination tests and pre-chitting seeds for commercial growers.

Large and small seeds can be raised in pure AUSPERL vermiculite. Slower germination seeds may be raised with a 50/50 mix of AUSPERL vermiculite and peat or perlite.

AUSPERL vermiculite can be used as a soil improver. When applied to an outdoor seed bed it will give improved emergence and less risk of capping.

Sowing Composts

AUSPERL vermiculite in sowing composts encourages quicker germination, improved seed growth, and less check when pricking-out or potting on. Sow on a well-watered and drained mixture of equal parts of AUSPERL vermiculite and peat or perlite. Alternately, add one partvermiculite to two parts of ready mixed seed compost, posting or all-purpose compost. The proportion of vermiculite may be increased to 75% for large slower-germinating seeds.

Sow thinly, evenly and not too deep. Cover lightly with free flowing moist AUSPERLvermiculite. Avoid over firming. Put the container in a warm place until the seeds germinate, then move to a light position. Keep moist with a fine drenching mist as necessary.

Seedlings are easily removed from AUSPERL vermiculite compost without damage to the fine roots and they transplant with a minimum of disturbance.

Seedling Wedge Mix

AUSPERL vermiculite mixed with up to 20% of fine peat or blocking compost is recommended for most of the wedge shaped plug module systems of vegetable and bedding plant propagation and transplanting.

The ‘Speeding’ system of large scale peat module production, developed in the U.S. usesvermiculite in the mix to safeguard against water logging in the peat wedges, facilitate re-wetting and to ensure the optimum air/water relationship for rapid seed germination and sturdy growth.

Mixes of AUSPERL vermiculite or perlite will require the addition of lime and nutrients in accordance with specific crop requirements.

AUSPERL vermiculite is also applied as reflective surface and protective covering after seedling module trays for raising varieties of bedding, and plants and vegetable transplants.

Blocking

AUSPERL vermiculite can be used where the seed has been placed into growing blocks.

AUSPERL vermiculite encourages better aeration, drainage and insulation without prejudicing the stability of the block.

Germination can be further improved by covering the seeded blocks with a layer of AUSPERL vermiculite. This will also facilitate re-wetting of the block and insulate the seed from excessive temperature fluctuations.