Here goes... Pretreatment: Starting the first seeds for 2013

That's good to know. I have a whole bunch of different seeds in trays in my unheated greenhouse. They have been in there a couple months and I was worried that the wet/cold might be harming the seed. I bet if I'm patient a good many of them will come up when the weather get's warmer. Or maybe I'll bring them back in on the mats as I have room.

Domehomedee:
I bet they will sprout come spring.

Example: daylily seeds need 2 or 3 weeks of moist cold, then sprout in room temp. Iris seeds require 12 weeks of flunctuating temperature to sprout in spring with 50 to 70 degrees. They are outside planted in plastic shoe boxes, as shown in my post ab ove.

Minimum is 3 weeks for any perennial seed, the longer the better.

Below are Daylily seeds sprouted with Deno planted in nursery May 2012
2nd photo are irises that spouted spring 2012 after spending winter outside, then planted May 2012.

Both photos taken Sept 2012

This message was edited Feb 13, 2013 7:24 PM

I've been reading a thread in the propagation forum with a lot of information about germinating in vermiculite. It says that seeds never rot in it, and that even after they sprout they are OK staying in it longer than in the damp paper towel. One method described in detail was to put the wet vermiculite in small baggies, 2" x3" or similar, and adding the seeds to it. It sounds simple enough, and I'm getting frustrated and impatient.

So far nothing has been happening with my Veronicas and Verbascums. I have some in Deno baggies and some clustered in 4" pots on the surface of seed starting mix, with a light covering of vermiculite. It's been not quite 2 weeks for the Deno- sown seeds, longer for the pots. So far I have 1 Verbascum seedling from a baggy, and nothing else is happening.

So the pic is what I did today.

If nothing happens this way, I'll try chilling the baggies, even though everywhere I look it say that's not necessary. Grrrrrrrrrr.....

Pfg,
I give the seeds of all hardy perennials at least 2 or 3 weeks chill in the fridge, then bring them to room temp where they usually sprout. I have grown Veronicas from seeds but not Verbascums.

Sometimes though even if it is said that some varieties may not need it, a chilling period may just be what is needed to trigger them into sprouting. Try it you have nothing to lose.

You're right, Blomma, I have nothing to lose. I'll do it tomorrow. Thanks!

I just put some verbascum in 2" pots tonight. I really hope they come up, they are the white ones with red/purple centers. I moved some of the first seedlings I germinated this fall into the ground today, tinantia mostly. They are a good 5" tall and have been doing well in the greenhouse. Also had a few lavender cuttings that have rooted and I'll put them in tomorrow. I'll be doing some seeding outside tomorrow. I know some of these annuals won't need any extra care to get them to germinate, just need to be kept damp (allysum, orlaya, verbena). Anyone have any advice on poppies? California poppies grow good just sown in the garden, wondering if I should just toss these other poppies (somniferum) in the beds or put them in pots on the mat?

Dome...ooooh save me some seed from your verbascum this summer!!! Sounds lovely....
Just reminded me I should take some cuttings from my Lavender.
They say all annual poppies should be grown outdoors, I find that sometimes they come up from reseeding but tend to sow them indoors only cuz I know I can keep them moist.

Pam is that Veronica from me?

Newly sprouted: Sisyrinchium Pole Star, Ceretotheca triloba, Delphinium requienii, Dicentra macropnos....the last three are all new to me.

One is mine, Veronica Goodness Grows, a low growing one. The other is V Fairytales, a silvery pink from the robin. I put the baggies of vermiculite in the frig this morning. We'll see if it makes a difference.

Dome, are your verbascum seeds from your garden? They sound lovely.

The heat mat may be making things too warm now that the real cold spell is over, so I unplugged it. I think this group needs 68, not 75, and that may have contributed to the problem. The Platys loved the heat, bless their little hearts. They drove me crazy for a couple of years until I pre-soaked and used the Deno method. I'll figure these little ones out too, one of these days.

Meanwhile the Aquilegias with the hugely developed roots transplanted without a hitch. Also the Dianthus moved with no roots at all, all are growing well. Yippee!

The other Aquilegia, Maggie Mae... A few days ago I took the last 3 seeds that were stuck to the plastic bag and tried again, in a 2" pot in a baggie in front of a partly open window. BTW, I googled that name and nothing came up. Do you know anything more about her? I think you said she's purple?
Pic 1, Ceratotheca triloba, started 1/11
Pic 2, Aquilegia Maggie Mae
Pic 3, Aquilegia Christa Barlow, older Dianthus x Loveliness after a haircut.

Pam...I'm trying to find A. Maggie Mae, am thinking origonal seed was from T&M Seed more than 10-15 years ago....cripes..lol, you expect me to remember what color huh...lol. Actually I know I saw a pix somewhere recently and am trying to retrace my steps to find a pix again. I'm thinking it's a solid purple, I remember there was something different about it but am stumped as to what it is.... Will keep looking tho. Lol, I can remember the garden I grew it in, where it was in the garden and it being a dark purple, (I think..lol). So for now will be a surprise. I know, naughty! I have atleast 30 plants that sprouted so if you need....(put it on your list). Did you find a pix for A. Crista Barlow, and did yours come from the Netherlands also?, mine did. (by the way...your gonna freeze your b--- off with that window open...lol)

Not important, if I can get it to germinate I'll find out for myself. Surprises are fine with me, just thought you might know...

By the way, in a NYC apartment the problem is that the heat is toooo much. That window stays open unless it goes below 20, and that doesn't happen very often or last more than a couple of weeks. Lately it's been in the 30's a lot. In the kitchen where I have my shelves we start opening the window next month.

I read somewhere you keep your house cooler, makes me think even more that's at least part of my problem. With my mats unplugged the thermostat says 68. Maybe that will help...

Here's Christa B:

http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/a/aquilegia_vulgaris_cb.htm

Definitely from the robin, don't remembr exactly where, I took a pinch. She's soooo pretty...

No, the verbascum is from a friend who sells rare seed. It is called verbascum chaixii and I really hope it germinates.
Things are looking good in the greenhouse today, lots of new growth, I think from the warmer night time temps.
I hope some of this nicotiana makes it, they are just so small.
I wish I felt better today, it's just wonderful outside. Getting older sucks.
I'm glad to here your Delphinium requienii is up Kathy, I just put mine in today so maybe my timing will be good. I used lots of 2" pots so I could just plant them out without trying to divide them.

Nicotiana is slow, don't worry, it's fine. Isn't yours Sylvestris? That's the absolute slowest, drove me nuts every year, especially compared to the other nics. Not that they are so vigorous either, but Sylvestris is really, really pokey. But it's stubborn too, so don't worry. I've planted out these little puny things, 1" x1," forgot all about them, and months later, Voila! Blooms! Lol...

Wow, I have grown A. Barlow (pnk) but didn't know there was one A. Christa Barlow. Probably a hybrid from Barlow. The new one is even prettier.

I sowed from a Barlow mix, seed package below. I only got the pink, not the other colors.

This message was edited Feb 14, 2013 4:50 PM

Those are lovely too...

can coral bells seeds be planted now ? do they need to have the cold treatment ?

My notes aren't complete, but I started Heuchera (coral bells) by the Deno method (paper towel in baggy) on 2/22 and put them in the frig for a month or so before they germinated. I know I got some sprouts, but that year I used a small shelving unit and it fell over in early April so I lost some babies :-(((. Poor DH was sitting at the table by the window when it happened and he nearly had a heart attack, lol.

Maybe someone else-- Kathy?!-- has more experience?

Edited for typo

This message was edited Feb 15, 2013 3:38 PM

Oops, pic didn't post

deejay,
It depends whitch variety of Heuchera (coral bell) seeds you have. There are several. Check out this link. I sowed some years ago but can't remember how. The 3rd one was sown from a package of red. I had several types but not all seed sown. Purchased from Parks.

http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/SeedlistH.htm

Sorry have never grown Heuchera from seed.
I'm growing N. sylvestris, took 6 days to sprout. they are big enough to pot on now, tho not sure when I'll get to it.

ty ladies going to try your baggie trick Pam :))

I just got 2 more T5 lights. These are 48," and the shelves are 42." I really have room for 45," but decided to fudge it. I just spent hours figuring out how to squeeze in another full size tray, and what a mess I made doing it! Finally got all cleaned up, only lost one plant. Every year my setup grows a little. The first year I tried to make a very small footprint and have been adding ever since. Now I'm on my way to an appointment, but I'll post a pic later.

This morning I decided it was time to pot up the Platys to 2 1/2" pots, so everything under the new lights on the top shelf is the same height. They had pretty good root systems, but not quite enough to keep the root balls together, so there was some root pruning going on. I use SuperThrive for root development so I hope they'll be fine. I know they don't like to move, but I've had very good luck in the past using root stimulators with them in the garden as well as pots. As usual, time will tell...

I didn't quite finish, one more group to go...

The whole reason for making more room is that it's almost time to start the petunias, then the tomatoes and the annuals, and I was full up with perennials. It's still going to be a challenge to do everything I want here over the next few weeks, but I'm sure I'll find a way, I always manage, lol!

1 Potting shed
2 new lights, etc
3 the whole magillah

Ohhh look at all those babies!!!! They look like they are all very happy... Hey, I just came up with an idea to expand my growing area. Ikea is having a sale this weekend, tomorrow's special is book case stand (wood), reg. like $29.99 on sale for $9.99 tomorrow (Sunday only). Am going to get two....may sneak in for another 2 if allowed..lol. they are 30 3/4" x 13 3/4" x 68 1/2". Am thinking I can put 2 together length wise and will hold a 4ft shop liight...and if I figure out how to hook 2 more together (total of 4), maybe with some 2x4's inbetween I could make me a bunch more room....lol. Not sure. Will have to see if I can get to the store when they open. Just more ideas.... Pam how wide is your shelving unit? Got any Ikeas around... am thinking this is cheaper than buying all the wood to build another stand, and it's all cut.

So far the shelves are 42" but the lights are 48" lol... It's the new math

Kathy, sounds good but I doubt the bookcases are made of real wood . I am familiar with Ikeas. Wood is not cheap so be careful. When you add plants it adds lot of weight on the bookcase. Be sure it is built to take it.

I have the same setup as Pfg with 48" x 12" shelves under 48" flourescent fixture. There are 3 shelves. The fixture hangs on chains from the shelf above. I can lower and raise them as the plants grow. The shelves are in my office. Then I have a plant stand with lights that I bought in the '80's and still works.

Photos from March 2012. This year I won't need all the space since I am not sowing that many irises and Daylilies for lack of gardne room. Edited to add that I placed aluminum foil on the wall for bounced light.

Pfg, your setup looks good. You will be busy planting in the spring.

This message was edited Feb 16, 2013 6:55 PM

Thanks, Blomma. Yours looks good too. I like the foil behind the plants. They probably get more light that way than mine get from my window facing on a narrow courtyard with no direct sun ever.

Kathy, good luck at Ikea. Sometimes they have some really good deals.

My sister & her husband are here from LA so we had a fun family dinner here. Now I'm full and beat!

Pam

Kathy, Hope your Ikea trip is a good one. I buy all my shelving for my greenhouse and nursery yard from them. I can get a four shelf galvanized unit for $15.00. Each shelf holds one flat of plants. I have a like 6 of them screwed to the fence in the yard and I bought three more this year for inside the greenhouse . . . such a good deal, and weather resistant too.

Nice set up ladie wish I Had the room :) Will have to wait till spring to plant mine right out side :)

Yeah!!!! I got 4 units and they look to be pine, solid wood thru and thru.... This was a special cuz they were reg price of $29.99 ea. Found a lady in line who bought two for me. LOL..... Will spend some time putting a sealer on them...or debating with self to paint white (to help reflect the light).. Now if all my debates were that easy my life would be fabulous!! LOL>

Will also figure out a way to maximize the space also, I know there's a way for me to get 20 or more trays onto my units....I'll figure it out!!! Not sure it will look pretty but..........

Yup, am considering doing something with foil myself. I know that in some of the Grow stores here in Colo. Iv'e seen 8x10 (or so) sheets off shinny foil like surfaces (almost like a foil blanket). Can be placed around 2 sides atleast, but have no idea what they cost... So for now I'll be using aluminumn foil also. Will cut up some large boxes and foil one side and lay over lights atleast. May do some next to the wall for the new unit.

Ok..have to check a few other posts, then off to potting things on...it's time.

Blooma...love the set up on the wall, great idea!

This message was edited Feb 17, 2013 1:13 PM

Oh what a great idea, will go see what they have tomorrow.....Thanks!

I kept meaning to pick one up for my less-bright lights, but never got to it. I think they are more reflective than foil, aren't they Mylar or something similar?

Kathy go to the $1.00 store for your Foil & Cover your Shelves in foil instead of painting :))))) then paint in the spring when you can do it outside :) hehe congrats on your shelves .

I bought the mylar emergency blankets this year. They are much more durable than foil, which I always managed to tear with the corners of my trays and such. I think I paid $2.50 each and they are pretty darn big. Plus, at the end of the season I should be able to fold them up and save them for next year!

That's what I need... But only for one shelf now. The new lights are awesome!

Pfg, since you started this thread, would you care to make a new thread? It's over 200 posts, and those of us who still have backwoods dialup have to wait several minutes for it to load, lol!

OK, I think this is how it's done, I've never tried before.

This is the new thread:

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1298942/

off to the new thread...........

This message was edited Feb 18, 2013 7:58 PM

Bump

Sarah, I thought you might like to check this out...

Snarva is my DD (Dear Daughter), she's new here :-)))))

Pam