Pale pink 5-petalled blossoms with dark pink centers and dark green leaves in a vase that appears to be made of old concrete or stone, with blossoms and leaves scattered around it on a granite surface.

How To Grow Vinca Seeds

Updated on Jan 18, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

(Catharanthus roseus)  Note: all parts of plant are poisonous. Vinca, also known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is a very frost-sensitive perennial flower that is incredibly heat and drought tolerant and is a popular choice for low maintenance ground cover and landscaping.

HISTORY

Vinca is endemic to Madagascar. These spectacular bedding plants are one of the most heat and drought tolerant blooms we have seen. The plants are very compact and mostly grown as an annual in USDA zones cooler than 10.

USES

  • Vinca can be planted in pots, beds, borders, and in large groupings.

Bright purple 5-petalled blooms with pale centers against dark green leaves, sprinkled with droplets of water.

 

  • Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. 
  • Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70-75 F.
  • Keep the seeds moist.
  • Sprouts in 7-21 days.
Vivid pink 5-petalled blooms with pale centers in an old silver pitcher, with greenery and blossoms scattered on a granite surface around the vase. Vivid pink 5-petalled blooms with pale centers in an old silver pitcher, with greenery and blossoms scattered on a granite surface around the vase.

 

  • Transplant outdoors in rich well-draining soil after the last spring frost.
  • Choose a sunny location and space plants 9-12" apart.
  • Vinca will tolerate drought but not overwatering.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Prone to root rot if over watered. Control aphids and spider mites with an organic approved insecticidal soap.
  • All parts of this plant are poisonous.
Pale pink 5-petalled blossoms with darker pink centers and dark green leaves in a vase that appears to be made of old concrete or stone, with petals and greenery scattered on a granite surfacePale pink 5-petalled blossoms with darker pink centers and dark green leaves in a vase that appears to be made of old concrete or stone, with petals and greenery scattered on a granite surface

 

  • Pinch seed pods off after flower petals drop and pods become brown in color.
  • Let the pods dry in a paper bag.
  • When the pods have dried, pop them open to remove the seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Bright magenta 5-petalled blossoms with pale centers and dark green leaves in a vase that is not visible against a blurred backgroundBright magenta 5-petalled blossoms with pale centers and dark green leaves in a vase that is not visible against a blurred background