Best Tips For Growing Perwinkle / Sadabahar ( Catharanthus Roseus )

The catharanthus roseus, also known as periwinkle or Sadabahar, is an annual flower that easily moves indoors as a houseplant and continues to bloom throughout the colder months. The foliage is green and glossy and the flowers are shades of white, pink and a rosy shade of periwinkle. Madagascar periwinkle (Cathatranthus rosea) is easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and in the garden. It has shiny green leaves and has either pink, white or red flowers depending on which variety you purchase.The center of the bloom is always a different shade than the five petals of the flowers; the color variation can range from almost identical to two totally different colors.

Propagation

From Seeds

Sow seeds indoors in a sterile, commercial seed-starting medium. Most seed-starting mixes generally consist of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite. You can use normal soil mixed with compost too for starting seeds. Locate seed trays in a sunny location with a temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Seedlings

Choose a site for planting. Periwinkle does well in the heat, so give it full sun - though a little afternoon shade in the South is a plus. It does well in just about any type of soil, though it likes rich, well-drained soil best. Plant periwinkle seedlings 6-10 inches apart. Plant in either full sun or partial shade; it does well in dry and infertile soil.

Soil

Use a soil based compost in pot.

Sun / Temperature

Place the Madagascar periwinkle in bright light or direct sunlight. Avoid growing below 10 degree C.

Watering

Water regularly. Don't over-water or water log it though; the soil should be evenly moist and well draining. Too much moisture can cause the plants to rot.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once or twice during the growing season if desired, or work in a few spadesful of compost at planting time. periwinkle does not require regular fertilization to grow, but will not react adversely if you are fertilizing the rest of your garden.

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