Propagation: Gomphrena seeds, 4 by

wrote:
Hi Birder17,
You are welcome. Think how nature works. The chaff is merely a way for the wind to transport the seeds. Think of dandelion. They sure don't have a problem popping up all over.

Another plant is Gallardia (blanket flower) They have a tail at one end. It is all for Nature to be able to distribue the seeds in different places. Nature is smart and takes care of its own.

If you want to get rid of some of it, trim it. Also, you can soak the seeds to wet the chaff, then plant it. I have never grown it so I can only speak in general terms. Or, rub the seeds.

If it states "need light for germination", means surface sow---no cover. That is because the seed is small and would never be able to reach the surface if covered before the embroye food inside the seed was depleted. It doesn't literally mean light just no cover. If in doubt, make a shallow furrow and place the seeds in it. Push the sides up against the seed, but not coverring. You will have the best of both worlds. Won't work for mideum or large seeds since they do need covering.

If stored properly (dry in plastic bag or container) seeds have no real age limit for viability. There again, think Nature. How many plants would the earth have if old seeds wouldn't sprout. Using the Deno method I tested different seeds that were 6 years old with no problem to sprouting. In nature, seeds lay dormant until their needs are met--temp, moisture, etc---then they will sprout.

Year ago I cleared some land in the prairie next to a house we were building. Was just prairie grass. When disturbed, wild yellow sunflowers sprouted. Who knows how long those seeds have laid there until conditions were right for their needs. Nature insist that her earth should never lay bare so does her best to protect it, even if it is more weeds.

All below sprouted with the Deno method and are old seeds tested for viability.

1] Columbine seeds
2] Datura (moon flower)
3] hardy Geranium
4] hardy Hibiscus after 2 days
5] Scabiosa

Here is a geat web page. Scroll down and you will find your plants

http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/SeedlistF-G.htm