Fatsia Japonica Seeds, Japanese Aralia

Sowing **Fatsia japonica**, also known as Japanese aralia, is an accessible method for growing this ornamental plant with large, decorative leaves. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing **Fatsia japonica**:

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### **Steps for sowing Fatsia japonica**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring**: From March to May, when temperatures start to warm up.
- **Autumn**: Possible if you have a greenhouse or a place protected from frost.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- The seeds are found in the black berries produced by the plant. Harvest them when the berries are fully ripe.
- Remove the pulp and clean the seeds carefully.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Fatsia japonica** seeds germinate best after light pretreatment.

##### **Preprocessing:**
1. **Cleaning**:
- If you have harvested the seeds, make sure they are clean and free of pulp.
2. **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for **24 hours** to hydrate their shell and improve their germination.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Light, well-drained mix of seedling compost, sand or perlite (2:1).
- **Drainage**:
- The substrate must retain light moisture while allowing good drainage.
- **pH** :
- Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or boxes:**
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots or boxes with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Arrange the seeds on the surface of the substrate and cover them lightly with a thin layer of substrate (1 to 2 mm).
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the substrate with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a warm, bright place but protected from direct sunlight, with a constant temperature of **18°C to 22°C**.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **18°C and 22°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain constant humidity by covering the pots with clear plastic wrap or placing them in a mini greenhouse.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination can take **4 to 6 weeks**, sometimes longer depending on conditions.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Watering**:
- Keep the substrate slightly moist, but avoid soaking it to prevent rot.
2. **Light**:
- Provide bright but indirect light to promote healthy growth.
3. **Lightening**:
- When the seedlings reach **5 cm**, thin them out to leave **10 to 15 cm** between each plant.

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#### **8. Transplanting (for seedlings in pots)**:
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants are about **10 to 15 cm** and their roots are well developed.
- **Method** :
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots with a similar substrate or directly into the ground.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Plant in a partially shaded or light shaded area. **Fatsia japonica** will also tolerate sunny areas if the soil remains moist.
2. **Ground**:
- Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter, well drained, and kept slightly moist.
3. **Spacing**:
- Leave a space of **1 to 2 meters** between plants, because **Fatsia japonica** can reach **2 to 4 meters** in height.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain constant humidity.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Apply an organic or balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to stimulate growth.
3. **Size** :
- Prune lightly to remove damaged leaves or control the size of the plant.
4. **Winter protection**:
- Although hardy, protect young plants from frost by mulching or covering them if necessary.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Decorative use**:
- **Fatsia japonica** is ideal for shady gardens, borders or as a potted houseplant.
2. **Honey plant**:
- Its flowers attract pollinators in the fall.
3. **Resistance**:
- It tolerates urban pollution well and adapts to a wide range of soils.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Fatsia japonica** is a simple method to grow this versatile ornamental plant. With proper care, you will enjoy a beautiful plant with spectacular foliage that will enhance your garden or interior. 🌱🌿