Depending on the plant, sprouting seeds can test your gardening skills. Even when you get past the sprouting stage, nurturing the seedlings can be challenging.
Fortunately, the plant we’re talking about today is the lovely butterfly bush. Starting the seeds of this plant is a walk in the park, making it an excellent starter plant.
In this post, we’ll shed light on how to start butterfly bush from seed with ease. We also go over the best type of soil for this plant and its requirements.
Why Are Butterfly Bush Seeds Hard to Find?
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) seeds aren’t always as available as the seeds of other plants. Their scarcity is due to the plant’s invasive nature.
If you decide to start this plant in your garden, it will likely spread throughout the garden, which can be detrimental to your other plants.
Beware when cultivating the butterfly bush and check your local laws since some regions may regulate this invasive herb.
Butterfly Bush: Containers vs. Direct Sowing
Sowing butterfly bush plants directly on the ground isn’t recommended because butterfly bush seeds are invasive and may take over your entire garden.
Container gardening is a better option than direct sowing. Start butterfly bush seeds in pots or trays so you have control.
When starting butterfly bush seeds, ensure you have enough space and soil. To maximize the plant’s growth, use a pot that’s 12-18 inches deep and wide.
You’ll want drainage holes and a rich potting mix since this is a hungry and fast-growing herb. When it outgrows its pot, you can prune it back or transfer it to a larger pot.
Butterfly Bush Soil and Light Requirements
Soil plays a crucial role in cultivating a butterfly bush. You must provide the right medium for this plant at all stages of its life to ensure healthy growth.
It’s best to use a sterile medium, such as commercial seed-starting mixes. You should avoid rich soil-like compost, as it may hinder seeds or cause them to dampen off.
Once established, butterfly bush plants grow best in well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant.
Now, as far as light requirements, although this plant can tolerate partial shade, especially in a warm climate, the butterfly bush grows and flowers best under full sunlight.
Starting Butterfly Bush Seeds: Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve gotten your hands on some butterfly bush seeds, all you’ll need to start them is soil and planters. Alternatively, you can use nursery trays or a raised bed.
Butterfly bush seeds need moisture and great drainage. Standing water causes root rot in young butterfly bush seedlings.
You can soak your seeds with growth hormones, but it’s not essential. Plus, stratifying butterfly bush seeds may increase your chances of sprouting them.
1. Prepare the Seeds and Tools
Have your seeds, sterile planting medium, and cool, sunny location on hand. You may opt to stratify your butterfly bush seeds overnight.
For the planting medium, trays or small pots work best. Moisten the seed-starting mix using a spray bottle.
2. Plant the Seeds
The best way to sow butterfly bush seeds is by scattering them on the surface of the potting mix. The small seeds require a shallow depth to grow properly.
You can press in the seeds using gentle motions.
As far as watering, your mission is to keep the medium moist but never wet or dry. This will ensure a healthy germination process.
3. Nurture and Wait
Your butterfly bush seeds should germinate within 14 days, as long as you keep them warm (70℉). Once they sprout, they’ll need full sunlight.
Wrapping Up
As an invasive species, it’s best to start butterfly bush seeds in containers. This enables you to control their growth.
You’ll need to use a sterile potting mix for the seeds. Then, gradually add fertile soil to provide nutrients after sprouting.
Keep the growing medium moist but never wet so that you don’t run the risk of root rot. Adding the likes of perlite or vermiculite can help speed up the germination process.
