cleome

I've had trouble getting cleome seeds to germinate.

I'm having trouble with mine, too. It is the first time I've tried it. I prechilled/stratified it in the fridge for a couple of weeks and only got a couple of seeds to sprout. So it went back in the fridge for another two weeks, I took it back out a few days ago, so far nothing. My seed was from a wild native that had planted itself in a friend's yard last year.

Angedawn, I also have had difficulty over the years in starting cleome. Others have recommended seeding outside in spring, keeping them under lights during the day and in the fridge at night, and germinating them cool (~62 degrees). I usually don't have enough seed to start them directly outside, so I have tried each of the other methods with very little success. This year, what worked the best for me is planting them in a pot, refrigerating them for 5 days and then germinating them at 75 degrees. Others will chime in with their favorite method, so I would recommend trying a couple of different methods and seeing what works best for you.

Thank you

Pollengarden, You replied while I was typing my reply. I have had the same experience as you with the cold stratification, with similar disappointing results. This was the first year I tried using the higher temps after stratification and I got close to 75% germination. However, that was the only method I used, so I have no way of knowing if my seed source was better this year (and they would have germinated any way I tried) or if I stumbled upon a methodology that works. Either way, you might want to try some warmer temps after stratification and see if that works for you. I had germination (emergence) 8 days after stratification.

I have never had trouble with them I toss the seeds out in the spring and plants soon after.
They reseed really easy once you get them going you will not need to worry about reseeding again.

1lisac ~ That seems like such an easier method.

I wonder if they bloom any earlier if started inside?

Cleome needs oscillating temperatures in order to germinate.
Did mine under lights, but turn the furnace down at night so they were
going from about 60ºF to about 80ºF over the day. The lights give extra heat
and were off at night.

I have plenty of oscillating temperatures outside. No problem there.

THAT explains why they do so good in TX. We can have all 4 seasons in 1 day. Some of mine came up from seeds I tossed last year, because I didn't toss any this year. Are the plants frost hardy?
Lisa

They might take a light frost,but not a good solid freeze.