Propagation: propagation beginner, 0 by

wrote:
I have WS for the last 2 years in Wyoming. I built a simple coldframe with a hinged top. The ony covering during the winter is chicken wire to keep out animals. I sowed perennial in it in October 2008. These are perennials that require stratification (cold treatment) to break dormancy. They will germinate in the spring when conditions for each variety is right for them. Last year from Oct 2007 sowing I sowed Aster alpinus, Echenacia and Callirhoe as an experiment. It worked to great. In 2008, I sowed much more. I leave it to Mother Nature.

I also use the coldframe for rooting cuttings in the late spring and through summer. The top has clear plastic and will hold a shade cloth when needed. I have started perennials in the house late summer and overwintered them in the coldframe. I couldn't garden without it.

When I lived in Nebraska, I owned and operated a commercial greenhouse on my property. It was 15 ft x 24 ft. long. Small but sufficient for my use. I specialized in drought resistant perennials, including Sedum and Sempervivum. I was the only one to offer them so did really good. Didn't need a greenhouse for them. Did have houseplants in the greenhouse.

As far as the lenght of time it takes for petunias to flower from stem cuttings I don't know. I do know that from seeds, they have to be sown in Feb. I have stated many from seeds. Also pelagonium cuttings. If I remember correctly, I started those cuttings in February. It takes time to root and pelagoniums need to be almost pot bound before they flower. Consider too that winter isn't a time when plants are in active growth. I lived in Massachusetts for 15 years before I moved. PA, like MA have lot of cloudy and overcast days. The sun when it peeks out isn't very strong either. That affect the growth of plants.

Good luck with your new hobby.




Caption: My simple coldframe before planting.