All About Bop Plant Seeds:
Germination, Storage and Sowing

Bop plant, also known as the Talinum fruticosum, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Portulacaceae. It is commonly grown for its edible leaves and stems, which are used in salads, soups, and stews. The plant is also known for its beautiful pink flowers, which bloom in the summer.

If you are interested in growing bop plants in your garden or indoors, it’s important to understand how to germinate, store and sow bop plant seeds. Here’s everything you need to know about bop plant seeds:

Germinating Bop Plant Seeds

To germinate bop plant seeds, you will need to create a warm and moist environment that mimics the plant’s natural habitat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
2. Fill a seed tray with seed compost and water it well.
3. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the compost.
4. Cover the tray with a propagator lid or a clear plastic bag.
5. Place the tray in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
6. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
7. After two weeks, remove the lid or bag and move the tray to a sunny spot.

With proper care and attention, your bop plant seeds should germinate within 14 days.

Storing Bop Plant Seeds

If you have more bop plant seeds than you need, you can store them for future use. Here’s how to store bop plant seeds:

1. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before storing them.
2. Place the seeds in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date and type of seed.
4. Store the container or bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Bop plant seeds can remain viable for up to three years if stored properly.

Sowing Bop Plant Seeds

When sowing bop plant seeds, you have two options: indoor or outdoor sowing.

Indoor Sowing

Indoor sowing allows you to control the temperature, moisture and light conditions for your bop plants. Here’s how to sow bop plant seeds indoors:

1. Fill a seed tray with seed compost and water it well.
2. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the compost.
3. Cover the tray with a propagator lid or a clear plastic bag.
4. Place the tray in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
5. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
6. After two weeks, remove the lid or bag and move the tray to a sunny spot.
7. When the seedlings have grown their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

Outdoor Sowing

Outdoor sowing is ideal if you want your bop plants to grow directly in your garden or in pots on your balcony or patio. Here’s how to sow bop plant seeds outdoors:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
2. Dig small holes about 1cm deep and 10cm apart.
3. Place one seed in each hole and cover it with soil.
4. Water well but don’t let the soil become waterlogged.
5. When the seedlings have grown their second set of leaves, thin them out so that they are 20cm apart.

With proper care and attention, your bop plants should thrive both indoors and outdoors.

FAQ

Q: How often should I water my bop plants?

A: Bop plants prefer moist but well-draining soil. Water them whenever the soil feels dry to the touch but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

Q: How long does it take for bop plants to mature?

A: Bop plants typically take between 60-90 days to mature from seed to harvest.

Q: Can I grow bop plants indoors all year round?

A: Yes, you can grow bop plants indoors all year round as long as they receive enough light and warmth.

Q: Are bop plants easy to grow?

A: Yes, bop plants are relatively easy to grow as long as you provide them with warm temperatures, adequate moisture and good drainage.

Q: Do I need fertilizer for my bop plants?

A: Bop plants don’t require fertilizer but you can feed them once every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer if desired.

In conclusion, bop plant seeds are easy to germinate, store and sow both indoors and outdoors. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy delicious edible leaves and beautiful pink flowers from your bop plants all year round!