Houseleek Plant, Succulent Plant, Sempervivum, Jupiter's Beard, Jovibarba,

Sowing **Sempervivum** (houseleek) seeds is an interesting method to grow these hardy and decorative succulents, ideal for rockeries, walls, and pots. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing **Sempervivum** seeds:

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### **Steps for Sowing Sempervivum**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Indoors**: From February to April, for an early start.
- **Outdoors**: From May to July, when temperatures are milder and more stable.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- Sempervivum seeds form after flowering and are very fine. Harvest them when the capsules are dry and light.

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#### **3. Substrate preparation:**
- **Type of soil**:
- Mix seedling soil with sand or perlite (1:1) to ensure good drainage.
- **Disinfection (optional)**:
- You can sterilize the substrate by heating it at 100°C for 30 minutes to prevent fungal diseases.

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#### **4. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or boxes:**
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots or boxes with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds on the surface without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
3. **Watering**:
- Moisten gently with a spray bottle to avoid moving the seeds.

##### **In open ground (favorable climates)**:
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen the soil and incorporate sand or gravel for good drainage.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Spread the seeds directly on the surface and press lightly so that they adhere to the soil.
3. **Watering**:
- Water lightly to moisten the soil without soaking it.

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#### **5. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Seeds germinate best between **15°C and 20°C**.
- **Light** :
- Place the pots in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain constant humidity by covering the pots with plastic film or a mini greenhouse.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination can take between **2 and 4 weeks**, depending on conditions.

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#### **6. Care after germination:**
1. **Remove the cover**:
- As soon as the first seedlings appear, remove the plastic film to avoid excess humidity.
2. **Lightening**:
- If the seedlings are too close, thin them out to avoid competition.
3. **Watering**:
- Keep the substrate slightly moist, but allow to dry between waterings to prevent rotting.

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#### **7. Replanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the seedlings are about **1 to 2 cm** and have developed a few leaves.
- **Potted transplanting**:
- Transplant the young plants into individual pots with a similar substrate.
- **Transplanting into open ground**:
- Wait until temperatures are mild and stable to plant outdoors.

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#### **8. Planting in open ground:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with well-drained soil.
2. **Spacing**:
- Leave about **10 to 15 cm** between each plant to allow them to spread.
3. **Watering**:
- Water lightly after planting to encourage rooting.

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#### **9. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Sempervivum tolerates drought very well. Water only during prolonged dry periods.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Houseleeks do not need fertilizer, but a light addition of compost in spring can be beneficial.
3. **Size** :
- Remove dead rosettes after flowering and cut off damaged leaves to maintain a healthy appearance.
4. **Multiplication**:
- In addition to sowing, Sempervivum can be propagated by division of daughter rosettes.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Hardiness**:
- Sempervivum are very hardy and can tolerate extreme winter temperatures.
2. **Uses**:
- These succulents are ideal for rockeries, green roofs, low walls and decorative pots.
3. **Avoid excess water**:
- Soil that is too wet can cause root rot.

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### **Conclusion :**
Seeding **Sempervivum** is an easy and cost-effective way to add these hardy and elegant succulents to your garden. With minimal maintenance and proper care, they will beautify your outdoor spaces all year long. 🌱🌵