Aerva javanica (kapok bush/desert cotton) is a xerophytic perennial herb in Amaranthaceae family with little seed dormancy. Seeds germinate well under laboratory and nursery conditions.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Gently nick seed coat with knife or rub with sandpaper to enhance water absorption
Soak
24 h Soak seeds in room temperature water after scarification to further soften seed coat
Seeds have little dormancy and germinate well under favorable conditions
Sowing
Substrate
well-draining seed starting mix (peat moss and perlite blend)
Depth
0_5cm
Temperature
21°C
Moisture
media
Container
any container with drainage holes
Day/night swing
Best germination at lower alternating temperature (15/25°C); higher at 25/35°C but lower overall than lower temperature regime
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 0_5cm · 21°C
Day 7–14
Seedlings emerge (~81%)
Tips
Germination significantly higher in darkness vs light at lower temperatures (15/25°C with 81% germination vs 60% in light). Plant prefers dry conditions and sandy/calcareous soils. Requires sunny position. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.
Sources: ScienceDirect (Phondani et al., 2015); plantflowerseeds.com; Useful Tropical Plants Database; Kew Science POWO; Flora of Qatar
