Not sure where to post this question as it falls under many categories. But how do you start this plant from seed? I've read it needs cold treatment and that it doesn't. Anyway, I think it needs cooler climates but I have an order from a client that has already purchased the seeds so I want tobive it a go.
Thank,
Lisa
Fireweed-Epilobium angustifolium
Hi Lisa, I've been researching this because having spent many years in Alaska I love this plant. Prairie moon sells this seed and they reccomend 60 days of cold/moist stratification, and also say that these seeds need light and cool conditions to germinate. All this makes sense as the plant is wide spread in sub arctic areas. having said all this I have never tried to grow this plant, nor have I ever talked to others who have, but I have had good luck w/ prairie Moon's germination guides.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Bruce
Not sure here, but good luck and let us butterfly lovers know.
Well thanks for the help everyone. The directions on the package say to direct sow in spring or summer. This makes no sense to me because the Co is in Or. and doesnt seem to take into consideration the different growing conditions in this huge Country. The client Im growing the seeds for now remembers that they needed to be started in the fall/winter (in a container) I tossed the ones I bought in Alaska in the fall. So they need cold treatment and light not a good combo for the refridge. ATM I have some surface sown in a container but it might be too late.
Next time I will just surface sow some in the fall in a container/flat, if Im going to resell them. For my own personal use I would just toss them in the fall and keep them damp through the winter. The ones I purchased in Alaska never came back, Im not sure if this is the best area for them and there are probably other types of Fireweed that would do better here. There is even some info that indicates that there is a chemical produced by fire that aids in the germination after a fire. Thus, the name. Let me know if anybody else has better luck. Thanks
I bought seed from JL Hudson last year and winter-sowed them with excellent germination here in Ohio Z6a, but didn't get any bloom. I'm hoping for that this year. I'm told by a lot of people this will be as welcome in my flower beds as (dis)Obedient plant, so I sited somewhere it can spread without major trauma to other plants.
Thats what Ive read that it can be invasive but the heat will take it out. We are having beautiful weather here (in the high 70s). I really think it needs alot cooler weather then TX has. There may other Fireweeds that would do better here, but I got the seeds around New Years so Ill just have to work with what I have.
Its strange because I have grown this exact plant (brought the seeds home from Alaska) but I just tossed them. I dont know how I could "trick" them into thinking its winter if they need light. Oh Well
It would not need light during the cold moist treatment. Because in the wild the snow covers the seeds and it doesn't see light till spring. Your 60 days in the refridge could work. They grow wild all over the place here, and our summer can reach 104-6 degree for about a week or so in summer. I've never sown them myself though. They are beautiful in masses. Do you have moderate tempeture at the end of March in Texas? It could work for you.
Never know what the temp will be like here except that it will be hot here for months during the summer I emailed the Co. where she bought the seeds. I think they recommend sowing in spring/summer so they will grow NEXT year. This is when the flowers would produce seeds in nature. After reading their website that is what I gather. If the seeds were to germinate this spring they wouldnt have very long to grow before the heat set in. Thanks for all the help the seeds are in the refridge and I will let you know what info I get.