Refugee and Migrant Communities Network Inc

Tips for Seed Raising from The Seed Collection

Lettuces

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: only 3mm -seeds need light
Germination: 7-14 days @ 8-23°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Row Spacing: 50cm
Plant Spacing: 20cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 60 days
Cultivation : Lettuces will grow in most well-drained soil but they particularly like it if the soil is slightly on the alkaline side. If your soil is acid you can increase the PH by adding some dolomite or bone meal and dig it in a few weeks before planting your lettuce. A soft, well composted soil is preferable to all sand or heavy clay. If your soil is not ideal you have the option of growing your lettuce in pots or making a raised bed for them.

Kale

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: 10mm
When: Late summer and autumn
Germination: 3-7 days @ 8-30°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Row Spacing: 50cm
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil.
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 55-65 days
*Notes: Protect from slugs, snails, aphids and caterpillars. Keep well watered.

Tomatoes

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth 5mm
When: Spring and early summer (or after frost)
Germination: 5-10 days @ 21-27°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Row Spacing: 60-70cm
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 70-80 days
*Notes:Plants need staking. Prune plants to two main stems. Keep well watered. Pick when mature to encourage more fruit. To reduce the risk of disease do not water overhead. Rotate crops: do not plant in the same position two years in a row.

Coriander

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct
Sowing Depth: 6mm
When: Spring and autumn
Germination: 7-10 days @ 18-21°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Spacing: 20cm
Plant Height: 50cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 45 days
Notes:This variety is slow to bolt and best suited for growing fresh leaves. Annual growing to 50cm. Aromatic plant with bright green leaves that are used fresh in salads or cooked in soups, sauces and chutneys. The dried seeds are used whole or ground as flavouring in both sweet and savory dishes. Coriander also has medicinal uses. Also known as "Chinese parsley" and "Cilantro". Attracts bees.

Chilli

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: 5mm
When: Spring or after frost (anytime in warm climates)
Germination: 7-21 days @ 22-35°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Frost tender Perennial (grown as an annual in cool climates)
Row Spacing: 100cm
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 70-80 days
*Notes: Keep well watered. Pick regularly to encourage more fruit. Some plants may need staking. Can be grown in containers. Protect from aphids. Susceptible to mildews.

Chard

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: 15mm
When: Spring, summer and autumn (or anytime outside of frost)
Germination: 5-10 days @ 10-30°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial
Row Spacing: 50cm
Plant Spacing: 30cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 58-70 days
*Notes: Keep well watered. Cut leaves and stalks as required. Remove any flower stems as soon as they appear. Is susceptible to downy mildew and leaf spot.

Broccoli

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: 5mm
When: Spring and autumn
Germination: 3-7 days @ 8-30°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Row Spacing: 60cm
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Position: Full or part sun, well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 75-85 days
*Notes: Cut heads before they open. Protect from aphids and caterpillars.

Capsicum

How to sow and grow:
Method: Sow direct or raise seedlings
Sowing Depth: 5mm
When: Spring or after frost (anytime in warm climates)
Germination: 7-21 days @ 22-35°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle: Frost tender Perennial (grown as an annual in cool climates)
Row Spacing: 100cm
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Plant Height: 70cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering: 80 days
*Notes: Keep well watered. Pick regularly to encourage more fruit. Some plants may need staking. Can be grown in containers. Protect from aphids. Susceptible to mildew.

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