Re: Lapageria rosea

"heidi m. meudt" wrote:

> Greetings to all,
>
> I recently bought a packet of Lapageria rosea (copihue--the national flower
> of Chile) from B and T Seeds.  I received about 8 seeds.  Does anyone have
> any experience with germinating the seeds and growing these beauties?

Hi Heidi,

No way a copihue can survive a 4b winter. I wouldn't grow them outdoors in
zones where temps can go down -10C for long.
Lapagerias enjoy deep humusy soils, well watered but NOT soggy, in light shade.
They will need a support to climb: this can be a fence, or any plant they enjoy
twining around.
As for the seeds, keep them about three or four days soaking in water. Change
this water three times per day. Squeeze GENTLY the seeds to peel the thin
translucent coat on them.
Sow them in peat based compost... place the pot in a shady place in nice -not
too warm- temps. I've never used bottom heat. And WAIT. lapageria seeds are not
difficult to germinate if you're patient. the seedling's further growth is SO
SLOW you will be surprised. they can sit doing nothing for months on end.
Suddenly, they will catch up . Every time you repot, put great care in not
damaging the delicate root system. I would plant them in DEEP pots.

Greetings,

Jose
Basque Country, coastal Northern Spain, SW Europe
Z9 - Humid oceanic climate
http://www.almandoz.com
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