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Re: seeds-digest Digest V98 #76



seeds-digest-request@eskimo.com wrote:

> Subject:
>
> seeds-digest Digest                             Volume 98 : Issue 76
>
> Today's Topics:
>          Selecting annual poppies (was  Hi,  introduction +
>  question(poppies) and Is the UK so much different?
>          Re: Ginseng
>          [Fwd: Larkspur propogation]
>          PHASEOLUS/VIGNA CARACALLA
>          Reminder - Listowner Comments
>          Re: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi,  introduction +
>  question(poppies)
>          Re: P.somniferum, the full works
>          Re: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi,  introduction + question(poppies)
>          Re: [Fwd: Larkspur propogation]
>          Re: Reminder - Listowner Comments
>          Unidentified subject!
>          RE: Unidentified subject!
>          lavatera leaf spot
>          Re: Unidentified subject!
>          RE: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi,  introduction + question
>         (poppies)
>          Re: lavatera leaf spot
>          Re: Poppies  (p. somniferum)
>          reusing pumice
>          Re: Poppies  (p. somniferum)
>          Re: Websites on propagation
>          Re: Poppies  (p. somniferum)
>          cyperis papyrus
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Selecting annual poppies (was Hi, introduction +
>      question(poppies) and Is the UK so much different?
> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 16:38:07 +0000
> From: Graham Rice <graham@groll.demon.co.uk>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> There is no problem about growing opium poppies, Papaver somniferum, either
> in the UK or the USA. American catalogues list the ornamental forms; I
> don't think that the cops are stupid enough to arrest you for a growing a
> clump of double opium poppies in your border - although if you had a field
> full of one of the opiate-rich strains they might be more justified!
>
> Selecting individual colours from poppies can be managed more easily than
> has been suggested. Starting with a good mixture, like 'Mother of
> Pearl'/'Angels Wings' or the semi-double 'Angel's Choir', sow two seeds in
> each cell of one of those propagating packs (Propapaks or Plantpaks in the
> UK); these have individual cells 1-1.5in across. I know this a bit fiddly
> but it can be done. Germinate the seeds in a cold greenhouse, thin to one
> seedling per cell and simply leave the plants, in their packs, on the
> greenhouse bench keeping them well watered.
>
> The plants will run up to flower, still in their packs.  As soon as the
> first plants flower, decide which colour you wish to develop and simply
> pull all the others out of their cells and dump them on the compost heap. A
> single flower on just one of the seedlings you keep will produce more than
> enough seed to repeat the process and generation by generation there should
> be fewer and fewer off types. If you wish to speed up the process, you can
> cover the whole pack with netting to keep out the bees (the plants probably
> won't grow more than 9in in height) and pollinate the flowers youself with
> a brush as soon as they open.
>
> The tricky part comes when most of the seedlings are beginning to come
> true; after all, you've only been selecting for flower colour. Grow the
> plants in a block in the garden (with no poppies anywhere nearby) and space
> them sufficiently widely to judge their habit of growth. Look carefully at
> the plants as they develop and as well as refining the colour, pull out any
> that run up to flower prematurely and save seed from those which branch
> well and flower for a long time.
>
> And finally (having given away these trade secrets!) - if anyone does
> develop any poppies in separate colours... please let me know.
>
> Graham Rice
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Ginseng
> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 15:29:20 +0000
> From: "STEPHEN BELCHER" <sbelcher@colszoo.org>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> > From:          "Sonnie Croft" <newleaf@bright.net>
> > To:            <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
> > Subject:       Re: Ginseng
> > Date:          Wed, 16 Sep 1998 18:17:46 -0400
> > Reply-to:      seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> Sonnie wrote:
>
> > Stephen - Last fall I received a few Ginseng seeds to test for a
> > large seed company.   The seeds were dry and hard and had been
> > completely cleaned of any outer material.  I placed them in moist
> > paper toweling and put them in the frige - not the freezer.  I
> > checked them every so often, nothing happened till around March this
> > year.  Four of the 6 seeds had begun to germinate and I planted them
> > and grew them on out in the corner of the woods nearby.  They did
> > very well - until I forgot to water them in hot summer and they
> > died.  My fault.  Anyway, I think it's worth it for you to treat at
> > least some of your seeds to the damp-towel-in-a- plastic-bag method.
> >  Germination took less than 6 mos. that way.
> >
> > Sonnie
>
> Hi Sonnie:
>     Vary intriguing.  Planting the dry, hard seed outside takes two
> years.  Maybe in this case any dry or possibly warm periods may
> delay the germination time where in the refrigerator this will not
> happen (other theories welcome). Your 66.6% sounds very respectable.
> It never occurred to me to try ginseng seeds this way.  I plan on trying
> as many different methods as I can.  Thank you.
>
> Stephen
>
>
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: [Fwd: Larkspur propogation]
> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 17:02:14 -0500
> From: Nancy Shlaes <nsshlaes@ameritech.net>
> To: Propogation <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Larkspur propogation
> Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 13:41:56 -0500
> From: Nancy Shlaes <nsshlaes@ameritech.net>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
> References: <bebe2e6.35fd4db8@aol.com>
>
> Thank you for your response.  I assume that  the refrigerated location
> is not because of lack of space elsewhere, but rather that a dormancy
> period is needed.  I have so little refrig room that I am reluctant to
> put anything in there that doesn't need to be there.  Do you know about
> larkspur in particular?
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: PHASEOLUS/VIGNA CARACALLA
> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 18:23:10 -0300
> From: Angelo Clarizia <clarizi@ibm.net>
> To: "seeds-list@eskimo.com" <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> Dear members,
> My wife got interested in VIGNA CARACALLA.
> I'm not used to flowers but I'd like that someone supply me with one (?)
> seed of this plant. In return I can send seeds of tropical trees or
> veggies.
> Regards,
>
> Angelo Clarizia
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Reminder - Listowner Comments
> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 18:18:43 -0700
> From: "McAlpine, Duncan G" <Duncan.McAlpine@PSS.Boeing.com>
> To: "'seeds-list@eskimo.com'" <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> Please send your replies which are considered one to one communication
> to the original author and not to the mailing list.
>
> Please stay in scope of the mailing list and discuss about plant
> propagation.
>
> Please do not submit request to the mailing list for common seeds. If
> one is submitted, please reply to the original author of the post. If
> requesting a seed, use the Latin name and no other.
>
> Remember, this mailing list was not created as a seed swap.  If you are
> asking for a seed, then tell us how to propagate the seed.  Then
> everything is OK.
>
> Thank you
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi, introduction +
>      question(poppies)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 01:51:34 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Deborah Shanahan <debbys@dreamscape.com>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> I think that the US law is kinder to growers of opium poppies than to
> growers of hemp -- even for fiber. My understanding is that it is illegal
> to sell opium seeds, but not to grow the opium poppies. I've seen them
> growing here in the east in gardens -- they're prettier than many other
> poppies -- and out west in Washington state. They seed around easily. It
> would be hard to get rid of them all.
>
> Speaking of hemp, I've heard that there's a "Johnny Hempseed", or a group
> of them, spreading Cannabis seeds in vacant lots and abondonded fields to
> make it ubiquitous that it can't be eradicated. The purpose is to try to
> establish hemp fiber agriculture, since it requires fewer pesticides
> (perhaps none) than cotton. Not a bad idea if it would work out as
> intended. Has anybody else heard about this?
>
> Debby
> ----------------------------
>
> >My only question is whether the writer has any cause to be concerned
> >because, in the USA at least, his poppies would be considered contraband and
> >he could be prosecuted and his assets seized.
> >
> >Isabelle Hayes
> >
> > I have grown Papaver Somnifera, the opium poppy,
> >>for many years,
> >>Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
> >>
> >>
>
> ======================
> Debby Shanahan, Syracuse, NY
> 53 days of sun/year, 120-day growing season
> 36" precipitation equiv/year
> Min temp minus 20 F -- Good snow cover
> NARGS Adirondack Chapter newsletter editor
> ======================
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: P.somniferum, the full works
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 11:36:05 +0100 (BST)
> From: Allan Day <allan@crwys.demon.co.uk>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
>  I have grown Papaver Somniferum, the opium poppy, for many years,
> Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
>
> To quote from Geoffrey Smith's World of Flowers:- "Oldest (poppy) in
> cultivation, P. Somniferum, the opium poppy, grows wild in Greece and
> the Orient. The very large red, purple, pink, or white flowers carried
> above grey, green leaves followed by the ornamental seed pods, make an
> imposing picture. The variety "Pink Chiffon" has double pink flowers and
> is an attractive plant. That this species was originally grown for
> edible seeds seems very probable, for I can find no mention of this
> plant's narcotic ptoperties in early writings on the subject.  The seeds
> do yield a nutty-flavoured, nutritious oil, and this was used instead of
> olive or almond oil for cooking.  Nothing was wasted in the process, as
> the mash left after the expression was fed to cattle or poultry.  The
> seeds mixed with flour and honey were also made into cakes.  Apart from
> being the source of opium which is the principle product of Papaver
> Somniferum, the seed heads were used to make a sedative in syrup form
> and as a hot poultice for external application
>
> The drug opium is derived from the milky sap which exudes from incicions
> made in the half-ripe seed capsule.  Opium possesses sedative powers, is
> a valuable medicine, and yelds the pain-killing druh known as morphine.
> When abused, it destroys the health amd mind of the body.
> .........
> In present day seed catalogues there are many varieties on offer.....
> p.somn. paeonifloorum with double paeony-like flowers is simplified in
> modern catalogues to paeony-flowered double mixed. Seed sown in April
> into well-drained sunny corners will in due season yield plants 2 1/2
> ft. high bearing full double flowers in many and varied colours.To get
> the best effect the seedlings must be thinned to stand 12 to 15 inches
> apart. The old fashioned Latin form 'mursellii' has been translated to
> the easily inderstood carnation-flowered, which accurately describes the
> attractively fringed, brightly coloured petals."
>
> So don't put that in your pipe and smoke it!   :-)
>
>  Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys Flowers:-.demon.co.uk
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi, introduction + question(poppies)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 05:21:21 -0600
> From: Caron Ann Rifici <caron@pcisys.net>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> The seed for Papaver somniferum that is sold (in the USA) contains little or no
> opium.  I have grown and bought/traded seed of these for many years.
> Caron in Sunny Colorado
>
> Isabelle Hayes wrote:
>
> > My only question is whether the writer has any cause to be concerned
> > because, in the USA at least, his poppies would be considered contraband and
> > he could be prosecuted and his assets seized.
> >
> > Isabelle Hayes
> >
> >  I have grown Papaver Somnifera, the opium poppy,
> > >for many years,
> > >Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
> > >
> > >
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: [Fwd: Larkspur propogation]
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 05:23:51 -0600
> From: Caron Ann Rifici <caron@pcisys.net>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> They need darkness to germinate.
> Caron
>
> Nancy Shlaes wrote:
>
> >   ------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Subject: Re: Larkspur propogation
> > Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 13:41:56 -0500
> > From: Nancy Shlaes <nsshlaes@ameritech.net>
> > To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
> > References: <bebe2e6.35fd4db8@aol.com>
> >
> > Thank you for your response.  I assume that  the refrigerated location
> > is not because of lack of space elsewhere, but rather that a dormancy
> > period is needed.  I have so little refrig room that I am reluctant to
> > put anything in there that doesn't need to be there.  Do you know about
> > larkspur in particular?
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Reminder - Listowner Comments
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 08:11:05 -0400
> From: "Sonnie Croft" <newleaf@bright.net>
> To: <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> In the past, I have tried to direct comments to an individual by clicking
> on the "reply to author" button on the screen.  Usually, this results in a
> post to the mailing list in general.  How can one reply to just the author
> if the personal e-mail address is not given in the original post ?  Am I
> missing something?  There are times when I really want to direct a reply or
> question to just one person without taking up others time and space on the
> Internet.  Can someone enlighten me, please ?
> Sonnie
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Unidentified subject!
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 08:26:29 -0400
> From: "Sonnie Croft" <newleaf@bright.net>
> To: <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> I have a pack of wildflower seeds which says "best to plant in fall".  If I
> sow these seeds anytime in the next month or so, some will surely germinate
> and leave tiny seedlings to try to survive the winter.  Surely most will
> freeze to death.  So, when directions tell one to plant in fall, does this
> mean wait till Nov. or early Dec. when weather is cold enough to prevent
> germination till spring ?  Sounds simple enough when I write it out, but
> why don't they make this clear on the seed packs?
>
> Also, I have some seedlings of Lupin (seed pack says "plant in fall" - OK,
> I rushed things here) which are just starting to produce second set of
> leaves.  Is there any way to save these seedlings till spring ?  I have a
> greenhouse, but I don't think these plants will like growing in pots all
> winter for setting out in spring - I believe they develop long tap roots
> and wouldn't have enough room for this in pots.  Can I put them in groups
> in really DEEP, large pots ?  How would they then be treated ?  TIA
>
> Sonnie
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: RE: Unidentified subject!
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 08:29:56 -0500
> From: Warren Payne <Warren.Payne@ins.gte.com>
> To: "'seeds-list@eskimo.com'" <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> I can only comment on the wildflower seeds. Many wildflower varieties need
> to be exposed to the moisture and cold of fall and winter in order to
> germinate.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Sonnie Croft [SMTP:newleaf@bright.net]
> > Sent: Friday, September 18, 1998 7:26 AM
> > To:   seeds-list@eskimo.com
> > Subject:      Unidentified subject!
> >
> > I have a pack of wildflower seeds which says "best to plant in fall".  If
> > I
> > sow these seeds anytime in the next month or so, some will surely
> > germinate
> > and leave tiny seedlings to try to survive the winter.  Surely most will
> > freeze to death.  So, when directions tell one to plant in fall, does this
> > mean wait till Nov. or early Dec. when weather is cold enough to prevent
> > germination till spring ?  Sounds simple enough when I write it out, but
> > why don't they make this clear on the seed packs?
> >
> > Also, I have some seedlings of Lupin (seed pack says "plant in fall" - OK,
> > I rushed things here) which are just starting to produce second set of
> > leaves.  Is there any way to save these seedlings till spring ?  I have a
> > greenhouse, but I don't think these plants will like growing in pots all
> > winter for setting out in spring - I believe they develop long tap roots
> > and wouldn't have enough room for this in pots.  Can I put them in groups
> > in really DEEP, large pots ?  How would they then be treated ?  TIA
> >
> > Sonnie
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: lavatera leaf spot
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 16:01:59 +0000
> From: Graham Rice <graham@groll.demon.co.uk>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> In recent years annual lavateras ('Silver Cup', 'Mont Blanc', 'White
> Cherub', 'Beauty Mixed' etc) seem to have suffered more and more from leaf
> spot disease. This is a slightly misleading name as the disease is carried
> on seeds, and remians in the soil, and first attacks stems at ground level.
> The end result is that growth sudeednly stops and the plant oftens turn
> brown and collapses soon after. Sometimes the problem starts on one side of
> the clump and spreads through the whole group.
>
> Some, but not all, seed companies test their seed and treat it with a
> fungicide if they find it to be infected. I wonder if people who have had
> lavateras collapse on them could tell us from whom they bought the seed so
> we can all buy our lavatera s elsewhere!
> http://annualflowers.com
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Unidentified subject!
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 12:24:16 +0000
> From: "STEPHEN BELCHER" <sbelcher@colszoo.org>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> > From:          "Sonnie Croft" <newleaf@bright.net>
> > To:            <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
> > Date:          Fri, 18 Sep 1998 08:26:29 -0400
> > Subject:       Unidentified subject!
> > Reply-to:      seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> Sonnie writes:
>
> > I have a pack of wildflower seeds which says "best to plant in fall".  If I
> > sow these seeds anytime in the next month or so, some will surely germinate
> > and leave tiny seedlings to try to survive the winter.  Surely most will
> > freeze to death.  So, when directions tell one to plant in fall, does this
> > mean wait till Nov. or early Dec. when weather is cold enough to prevent
> > germination till spring ?  Sounds simple enough when I write it out, but
> > why don't they make this clear on the seed packs?
> >
> > Also, I have some seedlings of Lupin (seed pack says "plant in fall" - OK,
> > I rushed things here) which are just starting to produce second set of
> > leaves.  Is there any way to save these seedlings till spring ?  I have a
> > greenhouse, but I don't think these plants will like growing in pots all
> > winter for setting out in spring - I believe they develop long tap roots
> > and wouldn't have enough room for this in pots.  Can I put them in groups
> > in really DEEP, large pots ?  How would they then be treated ?  TIA
> >
> > Sonnie
>
>     Sonnie, any wildflower pack will have many varieties.  It would be
> vary difficult to give instructions on each.  Mixes are determined
> with the geographical region they are to be planted kept in mind. They
> are also selected with their cultural requirements taken in to
> consideration.  A plant needing special treatment will be in its' own
> pack with its' own instructions.
>      Plant any time in the fall, you need not wait till colder
> weather.  Mother Nature will handle the requirements of each.   Fall
> sprouters will not be harmed the first winter.  Many plants stay small
> developing large root systems. Your lupine will have no problem.
> Disturbing them would be a mistake.  Because they are small though,
> watch so that leaves don't keep them covered.  They will rot easily
> and be destroyed by slugs. Still concerned, take white foam cups with
> a few holes in them and cover them.
>      If you are in a drought situation like I am, don't water your seeds in.
> Let mother nature do that unless you are prepared to continue watering
> until drought conditions cease.  It can be deceiving as the weather
> changes in the fall.  Dry conditions can persist and kill fall
> sprouting plants. They will lay dormant until the right time.
> Best luck,
> Stephen
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: RE: Is the UK so much different? Re: Hi, introduction + question
>      (poppies)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 11:38:56 -0700
> From: Conrad von Zirkwitz <CVonZirkwitz@creo.com>
> To: "'seeds-list@eskimo.com'" <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> I think that the US law is kinder to growers of opium poppies than to
> growers of hemp -- even for fiber. My understanding is that it is illegal
> to sell opium seeds, but not to grow the opium poppies. I've seen them
> growing here in the east in gardens -- they're prettier than many other
> poppies -- and out west in Washington state. They seed around easily. It
> would be hard to get rid of them all.
>
> Speaking of hemp, I've heard that there's a "Johnny Hempseed", or a group
> of them, spreading Cannabis seeds in vacant lots and abondonded fields to
> make it ubiquitous that it can't be eradicated. The purpose is to try to
> establish hemp fiber agriculture, since it requires fewer pesticides
> (perhaps none) than cotton. Not a bad idea if it would work out as
> intended. Has anybody else heard about this?
> Debby
>
> Most likely these individuals are spreading the narcotic Cannabis, but
> possibly some are spreading the low THC varieties too,
> it's a noble idea given the thousands of uses (by humans) for hemp, it is a
> plant that everyone should be able to grow in their backyard garden. Over in
> the Dakotas the Lakota (Sioux) have been nurturing some very diverse strains
> of hemp for over half a century on their reserves. Some of these plants are
> very well suited to growing wild unaided by human hands. Some of them have
> seeds that are about a third the size of the hempseed that comes from China.
> These plants represent the most wild hemp, not unlike the hemp that survives
> up in the highest reaches in Japan, only growing to about 3 feet tall before
> going to seed in a hurry so that can ensure the survival of their species.
> Up here in British Columbia we are now harvesting our first legal hemp crops
> in 60 years since elite individuals in the US decided it was against their
> best interests to allow such a dynamic and easily grown plant to exist
> legally. Next weekend we'll be harvesting some 10 feet tall plants for seed,
> about 18 acres worth and in the presence of such huge plants one is easily
> awed. In China at the turn of the century before agriculture and soil began
> its decline they were growing plants from 15-25 feet, Kentucky farmers were
> growing 2 crops a year of 7-10 feet tall plants for fibre.
>
> Perhaps the best way to establish seeds is with a method called "seedballs."
> Has anyone tried this out yet, there's some good info at
> http://www.seedballs.com . I've toyed with the idea of combining hemp seeds
> with some different companions such as crimson clover, vetch, valerian,
> lemon balm, yarrow, marigolds, chamomile (very few), dandelion, stinging
> nettles and then combining them into these 1/2 inch seedballs (mixed seeds,
> clay, water, sand) to establish stands that are self-seeding and soil
> fertility sustaining in the hopes that I can wildcraft the hemp and all the
> companions in a sustainable manner each year without having to add much in
> the way of amendments or labor, except for love that is. I'm also
> hypothesizing that our edible legumes (peas,beans,etc.) with their
> nitrogen-fixing properties could be interplanted amongst the hemp and climb
> the sturdy hemp stalks, as well as providing hemps insatiable need for
> nitrogen. I hope I can pull this off next year. I'm curious what you guys
> think about this plan?
> Regards, Conrad von Zirkwitz
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: lavatera leaf spot
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 14:46:49 +0000
> From: Susana Augustyn <augustyn@colby.ixks.com>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> My Lavatera from Richter's (www.richters.com) had NO problems!
>
> > Some, but not all, seed companies test their seed and treat it with a
> > fungicide if they find it to be infected. I wonder if people who have had
> > lavateras collapse on them could tell us from whom they bought the seed so
> > we can all buy our lavatera s elsewhere!
> > http://annualflowers.com
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Poppies (p. somniferum)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 17:00:59 +0100 (BST)
> From: Allan Day <allan@crwys.demon.co.uk>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> On Fri 18 Sep, Allan Day wrote:
> This was a private mailing but it seems to be of general interest so
> here goes.
>
> > On Fri 18 Sep, Lee anne Hayes wrote:
> > >
> > > I was interested to see your post today regarding poppies.
> > > I hope you can help and give me some instruction.
> > >
> > > I recently went to the health food store and bought a
> > > lot of poppy seeds, called papaver somniferum.  (Bread
> > > Box poppies)  I was so proud of myself to find them at
> > > such a reasonable price.  The nurseries sell poppy seed
> > > packets for about $ 1.79 for a tiny amount.  I paid $ .44
> > > for about 1/4 cup!!
> > > I live in Eastern Washington, USA, Zone 4/5 - gets down to
> > > -20F here in the winter, sometimes colder.  I think I heard
> > > that they should be planted in the fall.  When they
> > > come up in the spring, do I need to do anything else?
> > >
> > > As I have never grown them before, I would love to hear
> > > from you as to what you do.  How deep to plant, etc.
> > >
> > >....
> > > Lee Anne Hayes
>  my reply:-
> > Papaver Somniferum is definitely the Opium Poppy. We grow it purely as
> > an ornamental of course.Where they grow it as a crop probably has a
> > totally different climate. I don't know for what reason your health food
> > store was selling it. We have tried various methods of propogating it
> > but it likes to self-seed, that is it comes up where it will from seed
> > dropped the previous year and as the seed is so small there are many of
> > these even from one head. We have various colours and shapes, there is
> > a bright pink, usually double, a strong red which I have only seen as
> > single and another one, single and double and intermediate whih varies
> > between off white to a strong mauve. A neighbour had a lovely orange
> > and I wanted to have some seed from him, but he suddenly got rid of
> > the lot. Ugh, tidy gardeners!
> > Now the strange thing is that although
> > these strains are growing mixed up I have never seen any crosses. To
> > keep and possibly enhance the colour balance I have been putting labels
> > on the stems of those I wish to keep, in balance, and pull the others
> > out ruthlessly. I have concluded that they geminate best from seed that
> > drops in the fall (we call autumn) and therefore gets a cold spell,
> > before germinating quite late the next spring and growing remarkably
> > quickly, during which period drastic thinning is usually required. by
> > all means sow, or more descriptively scatter the seeds on somewhere that
> > they can lie on the surface, and next spring go over the soil with a
> > small handfork removing all the weeds, then leave it alone and see what
> > happens. I would expect however that what you bought would be likely to
> > come up all one colour but you will have to see what happens.
> > Someone has come up on the list with a remark that p. somniferum is sold
> > under a 'common name',(paeony flowered) I shall check back and see
> > what that is all about. Good luck, and I would be very interested in a
> > report next year.
> see also my submission The Full Works
> --
> Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: reusing pumice
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 15:15:24 -0800
> From: Nan Sterman <nsterman@mindsovermatter.com>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> I tried to start some cuttings in pumice and some made it while others
> didn't.  When I transplant the ones that made it (and toss the ones that
> didn't), can I reuse the pumice?  Must I sterilize it first?  If so, how?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Nan
>
> Nan Sterman, Master Composter in residency
> San Diego County, California
> Sunset zone 24, USDA zone 10b or 11
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Poppies (p. somniferum)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 18:10:18 -0400
> From: "Jean Walker" <jwalker@ilap.com>
> To: <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> Back to my favourite reference book RHS Encyclopedia
> Under the description for P.Somniferum,  Paeony Flowered" is listed as one
> of the varieties.
> I also have a packet of Dr. Fothergills 'Poppy - Paeony Flowered Mixed"; but
> no  latin name is given
> Jean Walker, Toronto
> jwalker@ilap.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Allan Day <allan@crwys.demon.co.uk>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
> Date: Friday, September 18, 1998 4:30 PM
> Subject: Re: Poppies (p. somniferum)
>
> >On Fri 18 Sep, Allan Day wrote:
> >This was a private mailing but it seems to be of general interest so
> >here goes.
> >
> >
> >> On Fri 18 Sep, Lee anne Hayes wrote:
> >> >
> >> > I was interested to see your post today regarding poppies.
> >> > I hope you can help and give me some instruction.
> >> >
> >> > I recently went to the health food store and bought a
> >> > lot of poppy seeds, called papaver somniferum.  (Bread
> >> > Box poppies)  I was so proud of myself to find them at
> >> > such a reasonable price.  The nurseries sell poppy seed
> >> > packets for about $ 1.79 for a tiny amount.  I paid $ .44
> >> > for about 1/4 cup!!
> >> > I live in Eastern Washington, USA, Zone 4/5 - gets down to
> >> > -20F here in the winter, sometimes colder.  I think I heard
> >> > that they should be planted in the fall.  When they
> >> > come up in the spring, do I need to do anything else?
> >> >
> >> > As I have never grown them before, I would love to hear
> >> > from you as to what you do.  How deep to plant, etc.
> >> >
> >> >....
> >> > Lee Anne Hayes
> > my reply:-
> >> Papaver Somniferum is definitely the Opium Poppy. We grow it purely as
> >> an ornamental of course.Where they grow it as a crop probably has a
> >> totally different climate. I don't know for what reason your health food
> >> store was selling it. We have tried various methods of propogating it
> >> but it likes to self-seed, that is it comes up where it will from seed
> >> dropped the previous year and as the seed is so small there are many of
> >> these even from one head. We have various colours and shapes, there is
> >> a bright pink, usually double, a strong red which I have only seen as
> >> single and another one, single and double and intermediate whih varies
> >> between off white to a strong mauve. A neighbour had a lovely orange
> >> and I wanted to have some seed from him, but he suddenly got rid of
> >> the lot. Ugh, tidy gardeners!
> >> Now the strange thing is that although
> >> these strains are growing mixed up I have never seen any crosses. To
> >> keep and possibly enhance the colour balance I have been putting labels
> >> on the stems of those I wish to keep, in balance, and pull the others
> >> out ruthlessly. I have concluded that they geminate best from seed that
> >> drops in the fall (we call autumn) and therefore gets a cold spell,
> >> before germinating quite late the next spring and growing remarkably
> >> quickly, during which period drastic thinning is usually required. by
> >> all means sow, or more descriptively scatter the seeds on somewhere that
> >> they can lie on the surface, and next spring go over the soil with a
> >> small handfork removing all the weeds, then leave it alone and see what
> >> happens. I would expect however that what you bought would be likely to
> >> come up all one colour but you will have to see what happens.
> >> Someone has come up on the list with a remark that p. somniferum is sold
> >> under a 'common name',(paeony flowered) I shall check back and see
> >> what that is all about. Good luck, and I would be very interested in a
> >> report next year.
> >see also my submission The Full Works
> >--
> >Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
> >
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Websites on propagation
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 21:36:29 -0500
> From: "Jean Carpenter" <backhoe@scan.missouri.org>
> To: <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
>
> Thanks K.R. in New York  for the blackberry hollyhock seeds. Got them today.
> Hope you are still monitoring this list as I have lost your address.
> Jean Carpenter
> backhoe@scan.missouri.org
> Mountain View, MO
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Re: Poppies (p. somniferum)
> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 22:05:03
> From: Margaret Schnall <skywise@javanet.com>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> I live in Western Mass, zone 5, and my poppies reseed themselves every
> year, needing no help from me to propagate. I'm wondering if the seeds
> meant for consumption are still viable. Could they have been treated with
> heat, not properly stored, etc?
>
> >> On Fri 18 Sep, Lee anne Hayes wrote:
> >> >
> >> > I was interested to see your post today regarding poppies.
> >> > I hope you can help and give me some instruction.
> >> >
> >> > I recently went to the health food store and bought a
> >> > lot of poppy seeds, called papaver somniferum.  (Bread
> >> > Box poppies)  I was so proud of myself to find them at
> >> > such a reasonable price.  The nurseries sell poppy seed
> >> > packets for about $ 1.79 for a tiny amount.  I paid $ .44
> >> > for about 1/4 cup!!
> >> > I live in Eastern Washington, USA, Zone 4/5 - gets down to
> >> > -20F here in the winter, sometimes colder.  I think I heard
> >> > that they should be planted in the fall.  When they
> >> > come up in the spring, do I need to do anything else?
> >> >
> >> > As I have never grown them before, I would love to hear
> >> > from you as to what you do.  How deep to plant, etc.
> >> >
> >> >....
> >
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: cyperis papyrus
> Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 12:25:31 -0700
> From: patricia johnston <patricia_johnston@bc.sympatico.ca>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
>
> Hello All,
> Few weeks ago I asked how to propagate papyrus, and followed the
> instructions a kind list member gave me. I was told to put the head of
> seeds into water, which I did. What am I looking for re a root system, and
> when do I put it into potting soil? Many thanks.
> Pat
> ps. I'm in a great mood this morning.Just finished feeding my plants, and
> giving them all a little tickle and hug. Now I am going to get my oragami
> papers out and start folding. Sigh,,,,life is good.
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