Re: Calochortus germination

Richard wrote:

>I have seen some reference to naitve seeds (Northwest
Naitve Seeds) -
>and wondering if anyone has specific knowledge of
Calochortus
>germination requirements....I am just planning
>to put in sandy sterile non-soil mix in pots, and leave out
during the
>remainder of the winter.  Likely to work?

Yes.

The full answer depends on which Calochortus species you
have, and where you live.  Some (those from colder areas
such as eastern Washington) need cold stratification if
you're in a mild climate like mine.  For those
cold-triggered seeds, I need to put the damp seed pots in a
refrigerator for six weeks, or until the seeds sprout.

For the rest, your approach sounds fine if you're in a
standard Mediterranean climate.  I grow them in 8-inch
plastic pots filled with 50% peat and 50% sand, with a
couple of tablespoons of bulb fertilizer added.  Keep the
pots well-watered through May.  They'll appreciate good sun
and air circulation as well; damping off can be a problem
with some species if conditions are too humid.

The little bulbs will go dormant as summer sets in.  Leave
them completely dry but in shade until the rains start again
in the fall (that's November around here).  Do not repot the
bulbs the first summer; they are too small and may not
survive.

Starting the seeds now is a little late, but you can
probably get away with it if you plant immediately.  If you
don't get it done before January, I recommend waiting until
next fall -- the seeds keep well.

You should get flowers in 3-4 years.

I'd call Calochortus bulbs particular rather than difficult
-- once you get a feel for their needs, they are pretty
reliable, especially if you're living in a summer-dry
climate.

Good luck!

Mike
San Jose, CA (zone 9, min temp 20F)
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