Thank you for the review Cathy!
In Monroe, NC (Zone 7b-8a), it's best to start planting Red Angel Trumpet seeds indoors in late winter to early spring (JanuaryāMarch). This gives them a head start before transplanting outdoors after the last frost, typically around mid-to-late April.
Planting Instructions:
1. Pre-Treating the Seeds
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination.
Optionally, scarify the seeds by gently rubbing them with fine sandpaper or a nail file.
2. Starting Seeds Indoors
Fill seed trays or small pots with well-draining seed-starting mix.
Plant the seeds Ā¼ inch deep, covering them lightly with soil.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Maintain a temperature of 70ā80Ā°F for the best germination results.
Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
ā³ Germination Time: 2ā6 weeks.
3. Transplanting Outdoors
After the last frost date (around mid-April in Monroe, NC), harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7ā10 days.
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with rich, well-draining soil.
Space plants 3ā5 feet apart to allow room for growth.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Care Tips:
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2ā3 weeks during the growing season.
Winter Care: Brugmansia is not frost-hardy, so in Monroe, NC:
Grow in a container and bring indoors during winter.
If planted in-ground, cut back and heavily mulch or dig up the plant to overwinter indoors.
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