I was telling a friend that I had seen some posts regarding Yellow Cleome seed both here and on another site. She is interested in getting some for next year. I would appreciate any information on a source to purchase such seed. Thanks.
Gary/Louisville
Looking for Yellow Cleome Seed
I've searched this in the past and saw a lot of different posts. The seeds are notoriously difficult to start, but people say they've had good luck with seed from this source.
http://www.nativeflora.com/details.asp?fid=4
Thank You so much! I am certain my friend will be pleased.
The fact that they are difficult to germinate and grow will be a challenge for her she is a master gardener having operated a nursary for years.
Gary/Louisville
Gary - I started purple & white from traded seed last winter. I sowed 12 seeds of each and got 4 white and 2 purple. Germination is VERY low so I recommend sowing 2 to 3 times as many seeds as she wants plants. They definitely need darkness to germinate. I have lots of purple and white seeds if she's interested. The plants put out TONS of seedpods. I'd love to see pics of her yellow if she gets them to grow. Brenda
I found what makes this a tricky one. It likes diurnal temperature fluctautions (warm in the day, cool at night). Here's a note from http://tomclothier.hort.net/
"Cleome lutea , yellow spiderflower, Type= hha, , direct sow in fall or sow @ 80ºF(day) 70ºF(night) , 10-20d , needs oscillating temps."
...and the Plants for a Future database:
"Seed - surface sow or only lightly cover the seed in spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 5 - 14 days at 25°c (75ºF). When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Day time temperatures below 20°c (68ºF) depress germination but a night time drop to 20° (68ºF) is necessary"
Great info!!!! Definitely will try this method this winter. Thanks!!!