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Re: Hostas


    Marilyn,
    Most of the hostas in yards/nurseries around the country are hybrids
    and therefore will not come true from seeds...though some species
    plants such as plantaginea (August Lily/Grandiflora) and ventricosa
    are fairly common.  So far the general feeling is that hosta seeds are
    best stored frozen in airtight containers (such as a film canister) after
    harvesting/shucking and drying at room temperature/humidity for a few
days.
    The pods are readyfor harvest when they dry and split open.  Frozen seed
    will then remain viable for more than the current season.   Germination
    rates/times  vary but an experienced hybridizer friend (Bill Nash) expects
    germination in about 12-13 days at room temperatures.  I have experienced
    slightly more rapid germination at temperatures in the mid 70F range.
    It appears important to merely press the seed into the medium and cover
    to keep quite moist, either sealing the moisture in or spritzing often to
    maintain the humidity (under a clear plastic dome is working well here)
    ...a fungicide such as Benomyl may be useful to avoid damp off.  Bill
    keeps his seedlings sealed in for an extended period...I uncover mine as 
    soon as I am satisfied with the germination and maintain high moisture 
    levels in the medium and by misting the leaves.   Paul Aden's HOSTAS
    from Timber Press has useful info on hybridizing and Dianna Grenfel's
    THE GARDENERS GUIDE TO GROWING HOSTAS includes information 
    on the species. 

    I welcome inquiry to my e-mail privately: TALLSCAPES@AOL.COM

    Peter Brandt-Sorheim, amateur 
    member of the American Hosta Society  
    and the Western New York Hosta Society
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