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Re: Arisaema triphyllum: Fattening Tubers

Dick raises an interesting point that I did not pursue in my original
post about germinating Arisaema.  Although Arisaema are easy, warm
germinators, they do take a few years to reach flowering size.  

One way to rush the size of the tuber, so that flowering may be achieved
earlier (or to get larger sized tubers of some of the slightly tender
sorts that will stand a better chance of overwintering if not planted
out too young) is to artificially induce a series of warm-cold periods,
of approximate 3 month periods, simulating false winters/summers, etc.
In fact I rarely plant out 1st year tubers, especially of the rarer
sorts.

I have done this succesfully for a number of years with a great variety
of Arisaema species. The general technique is as follows:

(1) Germinate the seed anytime indoors. All Arisaema are easy, warm
germinators (7-30 days or so).

(2) After germination, transplant them into a flat in ordinary growing
mix. Fertilizing is good.

(3) Allow them to grow on until the foliage dies down naturally. This
may take many months.

(4) Dig up the tiny tubers; sometimes so small you can barely find it.

(5) Put the tubers inside a ZipLock in vermiculite, peat, etc. Ensure
that the medium you use is JUST BARELY MOIST, or your tubers may rot.

(6) Tuck into fridge for at least 3 months. Check occasionally. If any
resprout prematurely, take out and pot up. Some growers will routinely
take them out at the 3 month stage. Others always wait until the tubers
are ready on their own (& start sprouting in the bag). Whichever method
you choose, take them out & pot up again.

(7) Now you have a choice- if you are at the right season for outdoor
planting- you can set them out (having in effect given them an extra
years growth)- or keep this process going for however long you wish. 
The tubers get larger (& therefore closer to flowering size) during each
round of warm-cold).

Kristl
Gardens North Seed
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