Re: HYB: seeds germinating

I can't speak as to Linda's unusual climate. She has way more rollercoaster
weather than we do here in southwest Ohio. That said, I have absolutely no problem
with seed germination here. Most crosses sprout the first year, some the second, a
few not at all. Of those that do sprout, I usually get an average of 60%
germination. Many times if I leave the potting mix in the pot after moving out the
seedlings, I get a bit of germination the following spring. I do not mess around
with burritos, but I do appreciate a good enchilada from time to time.

I use a medium to light textured potting mix in 1 gallon nursery cans. I sprinkle
the seeds on top and cover with another 1/2" of soil. I do this usually between
Christmas and New Year, and set them immediately out in the elements. I do have to
cover the pots with hardware cloth to keep varmints out. I am rewarded with
germination around mid-April. When the seedlings reach about 4" tall, I transplant
them into 4" pots  where they live until they are lined out in late July (or early
September when I am really busy). I have very few losses to damping off, maybe 5%
in a bad year. If the seedlings have reached 5-6" and 4 leaves, winter is not a
problem for them.

As far as seeds and cold, I have had no germination issues even after the seed
pots have set out all winter when we have had repeated plunges to 10-20 below
zero. I have lost seedlings when they sprout in late October and have not gotten
large enough to survive an early November freeze. I can't blame the seedlings, I
should have kept the pots dry until winter. I have also heard people say you
should never let a potted iris freeze because it will kill it. I deliver 500-700
potted irises to local nurseries every spring that have set out on top of the
ground all winter after being potted in August of September. Go figure :)

John Bruce
SW Ohio, zone 5b

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