How to Grow Vinca in India | Growing Madagascar Periwinkle

Madagascar Periwinkle is a common sight and if you want to include this beautiful flower in your garden, then here are all the details on How to Grow Vinca in India!

Also popular as Annual vinca, it is a beautiful plant with deep green foliage and bright flowers that you must have surely seen. The best part is, it is really easy to maintain and does best in the bright sun that we usually have all year round. Let’s have a look at How to Grow Vinca in India!

Check out our article on growing screw pine in India here

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Propagating Vinca

The best and the easiest way to grow vinca is by 4-6 inches long cuttings that you can take and propagate in summers. Plant them in a well-draining potting mix, water well, and keep where it gets plenty of bright but indirect light.

Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus

Other Common Names: Madagascar periwinkle, Rosy periwinkle, Sadabahar (सदाबहार फूल)

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Best Types of Vincas to Grow in India

• Heatwave: They are best for small spaces and do well in the hot climate of India.
• Mediterranean: These plants generally grow up to 2-3 feet tall.
• Soiree Double White: If you want the best flowers, go for these eyes closed!

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Requirements for Growing Vinca in India

Light / Location

As the plant loves to be in sun, pick a spot in your garden that gets a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. It won’t mind a bit of shade but it won’t flower as much.

Soil

Though the plant would do just fine in normal garden soil, if you are looking forward to the best growth and flowers, it would be a good idea to amend the growing medium with plenty of organic matter and compost.

Watering

If you are in a habit of watering your plants daily, then you will have to avoid the same with vincas. The plant likes a little moist soil so it would be a good idea to water it once in 2-3 days or depending on the weather.

Do not overwater the plant as it will cause root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Vincas are like what the doctor ordered for the Indian weather. They do great in the temperature range of 22-36 C so you are not going to have any troubles growing them for 12 months.

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Taking Care of Vinca

Fertilizer

Add a handful of cow manure at the time of planting to the growing medium to give it a boost in growth. Once the plant attains a height of 6-8 inches, start feeding it with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 of its strength, once in 3-4 weeks.

Pests and Diseases

The plant is relatively safe from pests but look out for spider mites. Knock them off with a strong jet of water.

In diseases, be careful of brown spots and yellow leaves, both of which are signs of overwatering. In that case, water the plant ly onwhen the top soil feels dry and snip away the damaged foliage.

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