Growing Mediterranean XP Vinca Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Catharanthus roseus
- Seed Type: Annual
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Be sure to sow indoors 10 – 12 weeks before final frost date because seeds are slow to reach maturity. Seeds are also slow to germinate and will require 10 – 21 days in complete darkness. Once germinated, move to sunny window spacing or fluorescent grow light until four true leaves have developed. Transplant to decorative indoor container or pot and harden off seedling if transplanting outside. Be sure to transplant to partial shade with 8 – 10 hours of sun.
- Days to Maturity: 98 – 105 days
- Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
- Planting Depth: 1/8"
- Plant Spacing: 12 - 20"
- Growth Habit: 4 – 6” tall spreading or trailing mound with a 20 – 30” reach
- Soil Preference: Average, loamy, well-drained
- Light Preference: Partial sun
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Vinca will show signs of wilting if not properly shaded, but can withstand many hot and drought-prone climates. No known pests or diseases.
- Color: White, Strawberry, Rose Halo, Polka Dot, or Mixed
Since Mediterranean XP vinca seeds are slow to reach full maturity, sow indoors 10 – 12 weeks before final frost date. Mediterranean XP vinca seeds are also slow to germinate and will require 10 – 21 days in complete darkness. Once germinated, move Mediterranean XP seeds to a sunny window sill or fluorescent grow light until four true leaves have developed. Transplant Mediterranean XP seedlings into your favorite decorative indoor container or basket and harden off if transplanting outside. Transplant Mediterranean XP vinca seeds outside into average, loamy, and well-drained soil at least 8” apart in partial shade. Mediterranean XP vincas have no known pests or diseases, but will show signs of wilting if not properly shaded. Mediterranean XP vinca seeds mature in 98 - 105 days as delicate 4 – 6” tall hanging, trailing mounds with a 20 – 30” spread of your choice of signature bicolored white, strawberry, rose halo, polka dot, or mixed blooms.
Also known as Trailing Vinca, vincas are native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. The genus Vinca has more than 86 known valuable alkaloids amongst its species that the medical community utilizes everyday for chemotherapy medications specializing in childhood cancers, leukemias, and lymphomas.