Re: HYB: seed germination?
- Subject: Re: HYB: seed germination?
- From: p*
- Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 22:24:59 -0000
Thanks, Walter,
I needed that reassurance! We are now in the midst of the winter we
didn't get in Dec.-Jan. Cold and rainy, even some snow. But though
our nights occasionally get below 32 degrees, there's been no hard
freeze, and no harm to such as pansies, which basically bloom all
year. The daffodils have bravely sallied forth. But I am telling
myself that no self-respecting seed is going to show its face during
all this nastiness. And the near-constant rain and serious chill are
surely giving the seeds the "stratification and leaching" that Keith
Keppel said were the two basics they need. I used a high-quality
potting soil, with slow-release fertilizer and plenty of compost, so
I think they should be okay in that respect.
I especially appreciated your saying that much germination happens
during the growing season. That should keep my anxiety at bay. I'm
trying to follow the watched-pot-doesn't-boil strategy and don't
check on them every miserable day. When the sun comes out to stay
for awhile, I'll check them again. And whisper sweet nothings in
their little ears. In the same KK missive just cited, he said that
seeds he'd thrown away the year before sprouted the next, but by then
he didn't know what they were, so I'll leave mine in place through
next season as well.
Meanwhile, I must be keeping the faith, because I'm ordering some
pretty high-priced cvs for next year, to use as foundation plants in
my two hyb projects. And all I planted last summer are putting up
good healthy green leaves a couple of feet tall by now. So the
adults will probably whisper to the babies how happy they are to be
here.
Best,
Patricia Brooks
Whidbey Island, WA, zone 8/9?
--- In iris-talk@y..., "wmoores" <wmoores@w...> wrote:
>
>
> On 10 Mar 2002 at 3:39, pinkirises wrote:
>
> > Zowie, this stuff is complex! Now we're into two years before
> > germination?
> >
> > When I planted last Nov. after putting the seeds through drying,
> > chilling and soaking, I kept wondering why I did that, since
November
> > exactly duplicated my efforts: chill, steady rain... I thought
maybe
> > I'd overdone it and they'd be too pooped to pop.
> >
> > And so far they haven't popped. But if they don't, how will I
know
> > why? What done or undone.
> >
> > I had naively thought that if a pod set and normal-looking seeds
came
> > out of it, that process, treatment, would be all that determined
> > germination or no. No?
> >
> > Patricia Brooks
> > Whidbey Island, WA, zone 8/9
>
> I think there is still time for your seed to germinate.
Germination
> again is generally slow here this year. Some have come fast and
> furiously, but I have many pots where there is nothing yet. Lots
of
> germination takes place during the bloom season, and your bloom
> season is far off, and mine is a month to six weeks away.
>
> The next thing to check is the soil medium in the pots. I hope
> you didn't get a soil mix with a pre-emergent. I have accidentally
> used the stuff and have found out by reading the fine print too
late
> the soil contained a herbicide I would never trust the economy
> brands of potting soil for seed germination. You just don't know
> what's in there. - like the 'highs' and rapid heartbeat I get from
> drinking cheap decaf coffee or tea. The label may say decaf but
> the content isn't. Be sure the potting soil you buy is clearly
marked
> "Safe for Seed Germination" or "Good for Starting Seed" or
> something similar. Name brands only for your precious babies.
>
> Continue looking at the pots and hoping for a sprout! Water well
if
> there is no rainfall.
>
> Walter Moores
> Enid Lake, MS USA 7/8 (Admiring later bloom on unnamed
> reticulatas started in the fall from WalMart bulbs. 34o and not a
> freeze as predicted).
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