Vinca Pacifica Apricot, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a popular annual flower known for its vibrant apricot-colored blooms and glossy foliage. Here’s a guide on how to grow Vinca Pacifica Apricot from seeds:

1. Timing: Vinca seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors depending on your climate. If you have a short growing season, it’s best to start them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. If you have a longer growing season, you can sow them directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
2. Location: Choose a location for your Vinca plants that receives full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate a wide range of light conditions but perform best in bright sunlight. Vinca plants also prefer well-drained soil.
3. Soil preparation: Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Vinca Pacifica Apricot prefers moderately fertile soil with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clayey, incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Sowing seeds indoors: Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil before sowing the seeds. Scatter the Vinca seeds on the surface of the soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them as they require light to germinate. Cover the tray or pot with a plastic dome or place it in a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
5. Germination: Vinca seeds typically take 10 to 14 days to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period. Place the seed tray or pot in a warm location, around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and place the tray or pot in a bright area with indirect sunlight.
6. Transplanting: When the Vinca seedlings have grown several sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure that each seedling has enough space to grow. Continue to provide bright but indirect sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist.
7. Outdoor planting: If you choose to sow the seeds directly in the garden, wait until the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. Prepare the soil as mentioned earlier. Create small furrows in the soil and scatter the seeds along the furrows. Lightly cover the seeds with soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
8. Watering and maintenance: Vinca plants prefer regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Once established, Vinca plants are somewhat drought-tolerant. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
9. Fertilization: Vinca plants are not heavy feeders, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting or use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the recommended dosage.
10. Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plants from setting seed, regularly remove faded flowers. This process, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms rather than seed production.

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