Re: hellebores
- Subject: Re: [SG] hellebores
- From: P* H*
- Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002 03:05:05 EST
In a message dated 1/5/2002 1:51:12 AM Central Standard Time, mtalt@CLARK.NET
writes:
> http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/shade_gardening/17614
>
Marg nice article on Hellebores, I have a question about how you have tried
to germinate stored seed?
Hellebores being a member of RANUNCULACEAE like many of the other members of
this family need cold temps to break any dormancy developed. This means
below freezing for 8 weeks or so.
but first they need a warm period for more than 6 weeks. if i was to
collect seed for later sowing i would store it in the freezer and sow it in
pot with moist seed mix and cover with plastic and keep at 75F. for 6 weeks
then move it to fridge for a week and then to the freezer for 8 weeks and see
if this does the trick. after taking it out of the freezer I would put it
in a warm freezer (39-42 F) were I would expect some germination to start --
slowly (If possible) raise the temps to F 50.
Delphiniums are another member of this family that give people problems --
like Hellebores they germinate easily when fresh but do go into a deep
dormancy when dried. A couple weeks in a baggy with moist seed mix at F 28
and I have had good germination even with seed that is four years old.
Paul
