Kennedia nigricans seeds, Black coral pea

Sowing **Kennedia nigricans**, an ornamental climbing plant native to Australia, is an effective method of growing this hardy and decorative plant, famous for its distinctive black and yellow flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing **Kennedia nigricans**:

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### **Steps for sowing Kennedia nigricans**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring or fall**: Ideal to start when temperatures are moderate.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- The seeds are found in pods that ripen in summer or autumn. Harvest them when they are completely dry.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Kennedia nigricans** seeds have a hard shell and require pre-treatment to speed up germination.

##### **Scarification and soaking:**
1. **Scarification**:
- Lightly rub the seeds with sandpaper or a file to weaken their outer 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**:
- Well-drained mix of seedling compost and sand or perlite (2:1).
- **In open ground**:
- Prepare a light, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
- **pH** :
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7).

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

##### **In pots or crates (recommended method for better control)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the containers with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Plant 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, with a temperature of **20°C to 25°C**.

##### **In open ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 15 cm.
2. **Sowing**:
- Sow the seeds directly at a depth of **1 cm**, spacing them **20 to 30 cm** apart.
3. **Watering**:
- Moisten the soil immediately after sowing.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **20°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, but not excessively so.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination usually takes **2 to 4 weeks**, but can sometimes take longer.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Lightening**:
- When the seedlings reach about **5 cm**, thin out to leave **20 to 30 cm** between each plant.
2. **Watering**:
- Water regularly to maintain moderate humidity, especially during the first few weeks.
3. **Light**:
- Place the young plants in a sunny or partially shaded location.

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#### **8. Replanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the plants reach approximately **10 to 15 cm** and have several well-developed leaves.
- **Method** :
- Transplant the plants into individual pots or directly into the ground.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny or slightly shaded location with a support so that the plant can climb (trellis, fence, pergola).
2. **Spacing**:
- Plant the seedlings at a distance of **50 cm to 1 m** to allow them to spread.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- **Kennedia nigricans** tolerates drought well once established, but water in case of prolonged drought.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Add organic fertilizer in spring to stimulate growth.
3. **Size** :
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and keep the plant under control.
4. **Winter protection**:
- In regions prone to frost, mulch the base of the plant or protect it with a winter fleece.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Hardy plant**:
- **Kennedia nigricans** is adapted to hot, dry climates, but it also tolerates cooler conditions.
2. **Ornamental use**:
- Ideal for covering trellises, fences, or for creating plant screens.
3. **Ecological**:
- Attracts pollinators, especially bees, thanks to its colorful flowers.

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### **Conclusion :**
Seeding **Kennedia nigricans** is an accessible and rewarding way to grow this ornamental climbing plant. With a little care, you can enjoy its elegant foliage and unique flowers, which will add an exotic touch to your garden. 🌱🌼