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echium

Echium certainly does grow from seed but the trick is in gathering the seed.
I think it is a plant where the mature seed is not obvious even though I am
an avid seed collector.   The best way to treat such plants is to cut that
part of the plant off and wait for the seed to fall out which they will do
if they are mature.

I am writing this note because I am fascinated that some years old seed that
I didn't think would come up has done so even outside in the weather.   We
are having horrible frosts which would normally burn echium plants but 4
echium babies have decided to brave the conditions.  I think I sowed these
about May.  (I would have it written on the label but can't be bothered
going out in the fog to check.)  They obviously are a bit protected where
they are.

Echium seed should come up easily enough in spring, it is not a difficult
plant.    I think sometimes those having problems with seed do not have the
right moisture content.    I remember with much embarrassment complaining
that I could not get BASIL seed up!!!!!    If you have trouble raising seed,
practise with commercially sold annuals and if these do not work you need to
adjust your technique.  

Successful gardeners have lots of experience and thus discernment and this
cannot be learnt overnight or from a book.

Sue Templeton, Albury, inland Australia.
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