Re: SPEC: I. Magnifica
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: SPEC: I. Magnifica
- From: H*@aol.com
- Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 15:17:18 -0700 (MST)
Rick Tasco asked:
<<
Does anyone have any tips for germinating I. Magnifica? I purchased
quite a few seeds from SIGNA last fall and this is the only one that did
not germinate.>>
Hi, Rick,
I looked I magnifica up in Deno's book on seed germination and it looks to me
like this is basically a cold germinator, although there is some indication
it may possibly be induced to germinate at room temperature after prolonged
dry storage and several weeks' --that is weeks-- water soak, possibly
combined with oscillating temperatures. No indication of any need for light.
Simply stated, with one sample of seeds which were stored dry for two years,
he got 93% germination after soaking them for a week and keeping them at 40
degrees. No info on how long germination took, but since he uses cycles of
three months it is to be expected that it would be less than that. He soaks,
changing the water frequently, then places them on moist paper towels, then
puts in a baggie folded over, then puts in a fridge. He got 30% germination
leaving them outside over the winter in Pennsylvania. In another sample he
soaked them a week and left the baggie at room temperature and they all
rotted. Other samples soaked and sown and kept at room temperature for three
months only germinated when moved to the refrigerator. If your seeds are
still firm I would get them the fridge or into a place with even, sustained
cold of no more than 40 degrees for several months and I would expect them to
germinate in the cold.
This then, for what it is worth.
Anner Whitehead, Richmond, Va
Henry Hall henryanner@aol.com
