germinating Salvia recognita?

I'm trying to start several Salvia varieties this year. My others have all put up at least one shoot (in moist soil mix at 65-70' under lights), but this one is being stubborn. I think both KimGaither & Gerris2 have said they are having trouble with it also.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Stratify? ln refrigerator or freezer? Soak? Nick?

I have just 5 seeds, so I'm especially anxious to find a method that will work...

Thanks!!

Jill,

I have been told by a salvia authority that S. recognita can take a loooooonnnnngggg time to germinate, so I guess we ought to be patient. Here are his comments:

"Recognita can be very slow. Again, cold storage might help. This Salvia is very temperamental over here [UK], it just will not tell me what winter conditions it requires! It can take at least 6 weeks to germinate. It is not my favourite Salvia, but if you can get it to flower, in its very short flowering season, it is a star! The seeds are very big. Occasionally survives winter here, but usually gets killed by not being in really well-drained soil. "

Joseph

Hmmmm. Sounds like I should put them in the fridge for a couple of weeks, at the very least. Certainly it has not been 6 weeks yet! Thanks for posting that info.

I have been known to put difficult salvias in the fridge in a damp paper towel or coffee filter and baggie for up to 3 weeks. I have left some for 6. They sprout. :) I have to say though, I have never grown this certain type.