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Stevia sowing
1)
The seedbed (ph
5.5 - 6.5) must be dampened to almost the soil´s limit of humidity (moderate) for the reception of seeds. Soil´s
temperature: 15 - 25 C.
2)
- Distribution of seeds: 10-15 gr/m2.
- Future distribution of plants: 1
plant/16,6 cm2 (600 plants/m2).
- Seedbed
dimensions: 10 m. x 1 m. x 0.1- 0.2 cm . Separation of 50 cm among
seedbeds.
- Approximately 166-170 m2
of seedbed with plants represent 1 hectare of land.
- The texture of the seedbed`s soil must be sandy, mixed with
organical components and phosphorus.
3)
Distribute the
seeds on the surface. Do not cover them with soil. Apply pressure slightly
on the surface using hands to attach the
seeds to it. The
stevia seeds need sunlight for the
germination process. It is a photoblastic species. That is
the reason why it will not germinate if
seeds are covered all over by soil.
4)
Cover the seedbed
with a half shadow fabric (50% shadow) until de plants are 1-2 cm high. The fabric will protect the seeds from wind and dissecation
.
5)
When dampening: Displacements should be prevented. The seedbed must contain humidity near to the soil´s limit (moderate) always
until germination. Dampen it 2-5 times/day, watering over the half shadow fabric to prevent displacements.
6)
Day 1 - 4: Dampen
the soil watering over the half shadow fabric to prevent displacements of seeds.
7)
Day 5 - 7: the
seeds are sprouting up.
8)
Day 8-60:
- The plants are
1-2 cm high. Elevate 40 cm the half shadow fabric and dampen the plants
over their cover 3 times/day.
- Eliminate the
sick stevia plants and other non-stevia plants.
9 ) Day 60-90: The
plants of 10-15 cm high with
a number 20 leaves (minimum) and good
branches are ready to be transplanted.
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