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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Arisaemas

Diana & Steve,
    A good source of information on Arisaema germination would be the
Arisaema-L listserv. They also have an off line version of the Arisaema
Enthusiasts.
    Germination methods are as varied as the people trying to grow them
from seed. I am told by the group that most (not all) arisaema do not need
cold to germinate so your shop lights should do fine. Preparation of the
seed does involve removing the pulp from the seed. After the pulp is
removed, it can be cleaned by putting them in a stocking and suspending in
the toilet tank for a few days. One can also soak in dishwater with a bit
of dishwashing liquid, then run clear water over the seeds to remove the
soap. Personally, I take all arisaema seed and plant on a sterile medium in
individual 3" pots, place in a tray, then cover the seed with about 1/4"
granite grit. Soak the pots from the bottom util the grit shows moisture
then place outside in a cold frame to weather. They will germinate this
spring or next at latest. I usually take the method of least resistance and
try to copy mother nature when possible. In fact, I grow both for my
personal use and all my nursery needs using this method on 99% of the seeds
I plant. That is four frames 4' wide by 40' long each year.
    Hope this has been of some assistance to you,
Gene Bush    Southern Indiana      Munchkin Nursery      Zone 6a
                    around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com    http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----------

> Diana,
>
> For what it is worth, the classic monograph on propagating American
native plants (I've forgotten the author and the book is at home), says
that the easiest way to germinate Jack-in-the-Pulpit seeds is to wash off
the orange-red flesh in the fall and then sow them under a thin covering of
soil and just let them do their thing in a regular shaded garden bed.  I
did this only this November, so I have no first-hand experience to report.
I just thought I'd share the recommendation.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve
> Garden Nut wrote:
> >Good afternoon:
> >
> >I've just potted up 14 different varieties of Arisaemas.
> >Does anyone know if these seeds need cold treatment or if I
> >can just start them growing under shoplights?  This is my
> >first time growing them from seed although I've grown some
> >from tubers this winter.
> >
> >--
> >Diana Pederson, Zone 5, Michigan
> >Suite101 Editor:
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