Neem Seed Germination Tips

Neem is commonly called divine tree commonly found throughout greater parts of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These fast-growing shade trees can survive drought and grow well in poor soil. And, the leaves, fruit and seeds are edible. The trees commonly grow 50 to 75 feet tall and can live for 200 years. The simplest way to propagate neem trees is by seed.
 
SPECIFICATION OF NEEM:

Height :12 to 18
Flower : white or pale yellow, small, scented.
Bark : Grey or dark reddish brown with numerous and scattered tubercles.

BENEFITS OF NEEM:

• Neem contains Vitamin C, which helps in getting rid of skin problems like blackheads, pigmentation, dullness and aging, thus leaving the skin with a youthful glow.

• Neem leaf has anti fungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating dandruff.

• Traditionally, neem paste is used to condition the hair and scalp.

• Neem is mentioned in most Ayurveda formulations for the treatment of skin disorders because of its detoxifying properties.

GERMINATION:

Use a flat tray like container of 2 inches depth. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage. Put the seedling mix leaving about 0.5 inches space. Evenly spread the seeds over it and cover the seeds with seedling mix. Sprinkle water thoroughly and place the container in a semi shaded place. 

Cover tightly  plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a dimly lit area of the house. Lift the plastic daily to check that the soil is moist. If not, lightly moisten it with water before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.

Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight. 

TIPS:

• For the seedling mix take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost and mix all the three ingredients into one container.

• Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1 liter water) after sowing the seeds.We have to careful about putting the seed because seeds will not to go deep inside the mixture.

•  The water used to sprinkle must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.