Does anyone know if it's possible to start alpinia japonica (Peppermint Stick) from seed? I have a large one ("Extra Spicy") that puts out more blooms each year than the year before. This year, I collected what I assume to be seeds or seed pods, but I'm having trouble finding any info about germination.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Many thanks!
This is a photo of the plant in spring. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/276104/
Alpinia Japonica from seeds
Hi Deb,
According to TM Seed Starting Database you'll want to use a peat based potting mix and barely cover them .. Best soil temp is 70 - 75 degrees and can take 30 - 90 days to germinate.
A few years ago I started some Hedychium horsfeldii seeds out in the greenhouse in October and they started germinating by January. The temperature goes from 43 at night to 90+ in the day time in there.
X
Thanks, X!
Gingers are easy to grow from seed, but you need to do more than just slightly cover them if you expect good germination rates.
You are going to want to first 'score' the seed casing, exposing the actual seed.
Then you are going to want to soak the seeds for 24-48 hours in warm water, or orange juice before you transfer them to a growing medium.
good luck.
IT, for some reason, I missed your reply til now!
Thanks so much for the additional information.
I'm going to give it a try!