Meconopsis germination support

Per my homepage using the search engine.
http://www.eskimo.com/~mcalpin/tm.html

Species => Meconopsis

                    Type: Hardy Perennial    Sow : Late Winter/Late
Spring and Late Summer/Autumn
                    Germination Days: 14-28
                    Germination Temp: 55-65
                    Light/Dark: 
                    Media: Peaty
                    Sow Depth : Surface - Sow on the surface and do NOT
cover with compost.
                    Comments: Keep slightly moist. Also, See No. 5.

5. Bromeliads; Cineraria; 
Calceolaria; Insect Eaters (Drosera, Nepenthes, Sarracenias);
Living Stones; Meconopsis; 
Rubber Plants; Saintpaulia; Streptocarpus; 
Tibouchina; Xmas Cactus; 
Begonia and similar

These seeds should be sown on the surface of the compost and not
covered. The compost should be quite moist and we would recommend that
you cover the seed container with a piece of glass or clear plastic and
leave in a temperature of approximately 65'F in a position which
receives
diffused light. Once some of the seeds have germinated air should be
admitted gradually otherwise the seedlings may damp off.

Alternatively the seeds can be sown on to moist blotting paper or
kitchen towel placed in a saucer. Cover with a transparent cover and
place on
a windowsill which receives plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
Keep the blotting paper wet at all times and when the tiny seedlings are
large
enough to handle prick out into small pots. If the INSECT EATERS are
sown using the first method described the compost requires to be both
moist yet free draining. Use only pure peat with no fertilizer added to
which sphagnum moss should be added if available.


I have used this  process and the germination rates are high if the
seeds are fresh or less than a year old.  Use the best potting media for
seed germination you can find.  I have germinated Meconopsis  in a make
shift growing room with one of the fluorescent lights turned off.  The
lights go on a 6 am and go off at 7 pm.   Once the true leaves show, I
remove the plastic bag and provide good air circulation. 


This year, I have germinated the seed out in the greenhouse which is not
heated.  I still use the plastic bag over the pot.   The germination
rate is low this year due to temperature variations but I hope to see
more seedling germinate soon.

Key points to consider:  Fresh seed and good potting media.

Duncan
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