Re: Hosta and Helebore seed ?
- To:
- Subject: Re: Hosta and Helebore seed ?
- From: M* T*
- Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 05:56:49 -0400
I have had pretty lousy experience in germination with purchased, dry
stored Hellebore seed, except for H. foetidus 'Wester Flisk'. As
Janet said, fresh seed will germinate readily after a period of
warmth followed by cold. Dry stored seed is quite iffy...may get
spotty germination after a substantial period and again, may never
germinate. If you do decide to buy seed, soak it for a day or so in
warm water to which you've added a drop or two of dish washing soap -
like Joy....helps, but is no guarantee. Drying of Hellebore seed
activates germination inhibitors that sometimes never go away. I
have had sound seeming seed in pots for upwards of 7 years...nada.
It doesn't rot, but it doesn't germinate. Grows nice moss on the
pots after all that time, however.
Much the best to see if you can get fresh seed - you will save
frustration and disappointment. Join the Hellebore list on
e-groups...we had our first "annual" seed exchange this summer - all
fresh seed donated by list members...seems to me it was something
like $3.00 to cover packing and postage.
Or, post a begging post sometime around late May or early
June...those of us who grow Hellebore can then think about collecting
seed before it's too late and send you some:-)
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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From: WHTROS@aol.com
Date: Monday, October 23, 2000 10:08 PM
Are any of you eager to start next years seeds?
Well, I am. Been looking over a couple seed catalogs and wanting to
place a
small order.
I have questions about germinating 2 items:
1. Are Hosta seeds difficult to germinate?
2. T&M lists several Hellebores and I can't make up my mind which
to order.
I've been coveting them for a long time. But I am wondering if I
should even
go thru with ordering them at all b/c T&M lists them as Challenging
to grow:
Helleborous HP 30-545 X @ 60-65 degrees Well drained
Pre-chill 3 months. See No. 6. May need to go through two winters
outdoors.
Is it even worth a try? I know even if I get 1 or 2 it would be worth
it.
:-( Have you had any experience with them?
Weather is lovely here and I have been enjoying it outside as much as
possible. And the debates are over. I still haven't changed my mind.
TIA and Best Wishes to you all --
Barbara
USDA Zone 5, Rock Island, Illinois USA
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