Re: Fremontodendron germination
Krzysztof Kozminski wrote:
>
> I seem to have a bumper crop of Fremontodendron seeds and am wondering how
> to go about germinating them. The seeds are rather hard, so I am
> wondering whether they should be scarified first, or maybe otherwise
> treated (acid/boiling water/fire, etc), or should I just dump them on some
> well-draining media in free-standing pots and wait for the winter rains.
> Also, as far as I know, there are no other Fremontodendrons within 1/2
> mile of this one, so I am wondering whether there even is any chance that
> the seed is viable.
Dear KK
My propagating book just says sow in slight heat in February or March
(no mention of any pre-treatment). I suspect the embryo is not mature at
this time and needs keeping until the time suggested to let it reach
germination stage.
If the coat is very hard I should think a little filing or other
scarifying before you plant might be a good thing.
As to whether the seed is actually viable, it seems pretty likely the
tree is self-fertile, but you could sacrifice a seed or two before you
plant to see if there is anything inside.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata,
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
