Vinca Tall Mix (also known as Madagascar Periwinkle) is a popular flowering plant that produces beautiful five-petal flowers in mixed colors such as white, pink, rose, red, and magenta. It is well known for its excellent heat tolerance, long blooming season, and low maintenance requirements.

Tall vinca plants grow upright and produce continuous flowers throughout the warm season. These flowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, pots, containers, terrace gardens, and landscaping.

One of the best features of vinca is that it thrives in hot and dry climates, making it an excellent flower for Pakistan’s summer conditions.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus
• Plant Type: Annual flowering plant
• Plant Height: 35–50 cm (Tall variety)
• Flower Colors: Mixed (white, pink, rose, red)
• Flower Size: 3–5 cm
• Blooming Season: Spring to late autumn
• Germination Time: 7–14 days

Growing Vinca Tall Mix from Seed in Pakistan

1. Sowing Season

Vinca grows best in warm weather.

Best sowing times in Pakistan:

Spring Season
• February – March

Summer Season
• April – May

Monsoon / Late Summer
• July – August

Ideal germination temperature: 22–30°C

2. Seed Sowing

Seeds can be sown in seed trays, pots, or directly in soil.

1. Fill seed trays with light seed-starting mix.

2. Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the soil.

3. Lightly cover seeds with soil.

4. Keep soil slightly moist.

Seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days.

3. Transplanting

Transplant seedlings when they develop 3–4 true leaves.

Spacing:

• Plant to plant: 25–30 cm
• Row to row: 30–40 cm

For container gardening use 8–10 inch pots.

4. Soil Requirements

Vinca prefers well-drained soil and does not like waterlogged conditions.

Recommended soil mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Cocopeat
• 10% Sand

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5

5. Sunlight

Plants require full sunlight (6–8 hours daily) for best flowering.

6. Watering

Vinca is drought tolerant.

• Water 2–3 times per week.
• Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
• Avoid overwatering.

7. Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer every 15 days.

Recommended feeding:

• Vermicompost
• Compost tea
• Liquid seaweed fertilizer
• Balanced flowering fertilizer

8. Plant Care

• Remove dried flowers to encourage new blooms.
• Maintain proper spacing for airflow.
• Avoid excessive watering.

9. Pest & Disease Control

Vinca is generally resistant to pests but occasionally affected by:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites

Control methods:

• Spray cold-pressed Neem Oil every 7–10 days
• Remove infected leaves

10. Flowering

Vinca plants start flowering 6–8 weeks after sowing and continue blooming for many months.

Regular sunlight and moderate watering ensure continuous flowering.