Vinca Mix produces bushy Sada Bahar plants covered with pinwheel-shaped flowers in white, blush pink, soft pink, rose and deep pink shades. Some flowers develop contrasting centres, adding further variation to the display.
Native to Madagascar, this heat-loving flowering plant performs well during Pakistan’s warm weather. Its glossy green leaves and long flowering period make it a dependable choice for pots, borders, pathway edges and grouped garden displays.
Why Gardeners Love It
-
Beautiful Colour Mix: Produces white flowers and several attractive shades of pink.
-
Contrasting Centres: Some blooms develop distinctive pink, red or white central eyes.
-
Long Flowering Period: Continues producing flowers throughout warm weather.
-
Heat Tolerant: Performs well in hot and sunny conditions once established.
-
Versatile Planting: Suitable for pots, borders, pathways and grouped displays.
Best Conditions
-
Germination: Usually 7–14 days
-
Germination temperature: Around 22–26°C
-
Growing temperature: Around 22–35°C
-
Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours
-
Pot size: An 8–10-inch pot for one plant
-
Spacing: About 8–12 inches between plants
-
Plant height: Usually around 12–24 inches
-
Soil: Light, fertile and fast-draining mix
-
First flowers: Usually around 8–12 weeks after sowing
Sowing note: In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from February to April. A second sowing can be started from late August to September while warm weather remains. In Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from January to March, or from August to October after prolonged monsoon rain has eased. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to May after the risk of frost has passed.
How to Sow
- Fill a clean seed tray or small pots with fine, moist seed starter mix.
- Sow the seeds approximately ⅛ inch deep and cover them lightly.
- Mist gently, cover the tray and keep it in a warm, dark place.
- Maintain a temperature of around 22–26°C and keep the mix lightly moist.
- Remove the cover after germination and provide bright light with good airflow.
- Transplant after the seedlings develop 3–4 true leaves, keeping the root ball intact.
Plant Care
Water at the base whenever the upper layer of soil begins drying. Allow excess water to drain completely because constantly wet soil can cause root and stem rot. Avoid frequent overhead watering during humid or rainy weather.
Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the final soil before transplanting. If growth becomes pale or slow, apply a light dose of NPK 20-20-20 approximately once every four weeks. Check underneath the leaves for aphids, thrips, whiteflies and spider mites. If found, spray Neem Oil on the affected areas.
Local Gardener Tips
- Wait for consistently warm conditions before sowing.
- Protect seedlings from strong rain and waterlogged soil.
- Leave enough space between plants for good airflow.
- Give newly transplanted seedlings temporary afternoon shade during extreme heat.
Flowering
Vinca begins flowering while the plants are still young and continues producing blooms throughout warm weather. The flowers usually fall naturally after fading, so frequent deadheading is not required.
Remove damaged leaves and any wet flowers collecting around the base. If the plants develop uneven stems, trim them lightly to encourage bushier growth and more flowering branches.
FAQs
Will every seed produce the same flower colour?
No. Each plant normally produces one flower colour or pattern. Grow several plants to create a fuller display of white, blush pink, rose and deep pink flowers.
Why are my Vinca seedlings collapsing at the soil line?
This is usually damping-off, a fungal problem encouraged by wet soil, cool conditions and poor airflow. Use a clean tray, avoid overwatering and uncover the seedlings promptly after germination.
Why is an established plant wilting while the soil is still wet?
Wet soil can damage the roots and cause root or stem rot. Reduce watering, improve drainage and remove severely affected plants before the problem reaches nearby plants.
Is this the same plant as groundcover Vinca?
No. This flowering plant is Catharanthus roseus, commonly called Annual Vinca or Sada Bahar. The spreading groundcover plants known as Vinca major and Vinca minor are different species.
Can I save seeds from these plants?
Yes. Allow selected seed pods to mature and begin drying before collecting them. Plants grown from saved seeds may produce different colours or growth habits from the parent plant.
Common names: Vinca Mix, Sada Bahar, Sadabahar, Annual Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, ونکا, سدا بہار
