Seeds of Kennedia Rubicunda, Coral Pea

Sowing **Kennedia rubicunda**, an Australian ornamental climbing plant known for its vibrant red flowers, is a simple and rewarding method. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing this hardy and vigorous plant:

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### **Steps for Sowing Kennedia Rubicunda**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring or fall**: When temperatures are moderate.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- The seeds are contained in pods that ripen in summer or autumn. Harvest them when the pods are dry and brownish.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Kennedia rubicunda** seeds have a hard shell, and pretreatment is necessary to promote germination.

##### **Preprocessing:**
1. **Scarification**:
- Gently rub the seeds with sandpaper or a file to weaken their shell.
2. **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for **12 to 24 hours**. The swollen seeds are ready to be sown.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Light, well-drained mix of seedling compost and sand or perlite (2:1).
- **Preparation in open ground**:
- Work the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm and add compost or organic fertilizer if necessary.
- **pH** :
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7).

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or crates (recommended method)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots or boxes with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**.
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a warm, bright place, but out of direct sunlight.

##### **In open ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen and clean the area.
2. **Sowing**:
- Plant the seeds directly at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**, spacing them **20 to 30 cm**.
3. **Watering**:
- Water lightly after sowing.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **18°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, but not excessively so.
- **Germination time**:
- Seeds usually germinate in **2 to 4 weeks**, but it can sometimes take longer.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Lightening**:
- If the seedlings are too close, thin out to leave **20 to 30 cm** between each plant.
2. **Watering**:
- Water regularly to maintain light humidity, but avoid overwatering.
3. **Light**:
- Provide bright, but indirect light to prevent seedlings from stretching.

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#### **8. Replanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants measure **10 to 15 cm** and have several well-developed leaves.
- **Method** :
- Transplant into individual pots or directly into the ground, spacing **30 to 50 cm**.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny or partially shaded location.
2. **Support** :
- Provide a sturdy support, such as a trellis, fence, or shrub, for the plant to climb.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- **Kennedia rubicunda** is drought tolerant once established, but water in case of prolonged drought.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Add a balanced or organic fertilizer once a year, in spring.
3. **Size** :
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain shape.
4. **Winter protection**:
- In frost-prone areas, mulch the base of the plant to protect the roots.

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### **Uses and Benefits:**
1. **Ornamental climbing plant**:
- Ideal for covering trellises, fences, or pergolas.
2. **Ecological**:
- Attracts pollinators, such as bees and birds.
3. **Ease of maintenance**:
- Resistant and undemanding, it adapts well to dry and sunny gardens.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Kennedia rubicunda** is an accessible method to grow this unique and decorative climbing plant. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy its lush foliage and beautiful red flowers, which will bring an exotic touch to your garden. 🌱🌺