Seeds Flower (Catharanthus roseus)

This vinca mix brings together the cheerful colours of Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), still often sold under its old name Vinca rosea. Each plant carries glossy green leaves and a constant show of five-petalled flowers in white, pink, rose, and red. Reaching about 15-60 cm tall, it is one of the few ornamentals that flowers reliably through peak summer heat, making it a perfect carpet for beds, borders, and containers in the Egyptian garden.

Planting

Choose a full-sun spot with at least 6 hours of direct light in moist, well-drained soil. Sow seed shallowly, covering it only about 3 mm deep, and keep it in darkness to germinate. At 21-24 C seed sprouts in roughly a week. This is a warmth-lover: never plant out until soil is above 16 C and nights stay mild, as cold, wet soil causes root rot. Space upright types 30-45 cm apart and set transplants with the root plug level with the surface.

Fertilizing

Mix compost or a slow-release fertiliser into the soil at planting. During active growth, feed once a month with a balanced water-soluble fertiliser such as 10-10-10. Go easy on nitrogen, since soft, lush growth invites disease.

Care

Once established vinca is highly drought-tolerant and prefers things on the drier side. Let the top few centimetres dry between waterings and water in the morning so leaves dry by evening. Avoid overhead watering, which promotes Phytophthora blight and root rot. Good drainage and airflow keep plants healthy; deadheading is not needed for fresh blooms.