What Did I Do Wrong?

I bought some Brugmansia sanguinea seed last year before I read that they need cool temperatures to grow well and bloom. I have no idea how long Brugmansia sanguinea seed are viable so I germinated them using damp paper towels. As soon as I saw a root, I planted it in a Jiffy-7 Peat Pellet about 1/4" deep. The seedlings pushed their way out, but they were still encased in the seedcoats. I had to remove the seedcoat by hand in all the seedlings that emerged. See the damage to the cotyledons. They are putting out their first true leaves so they didn't get too damaged, but I could have killed them by removing the growing tip. Did I plant them too shallow or is something else involved here? Does this happen to all Brug seed?

Has anyone in Texas been able to grow them and get them to bloom? Any recommendations?

Hi Betty, nice to meet you! Welcome to the Brug Addiction lol...Looks like to me you've done and are doing a wonderful job to me. They are healthy and lush green too. I leave my seed cork on mine but that's me...I've done this and lost the cotyledons too, so I just live and learn :) Just hang in there and look for those nasty knats. To prevent the knats, I have mine in bags that I take and blow air into and let them do their thing until it's time to put into another larger container. Works good for me~! But it's what works for you.

Their are some that have grown the Brugmansia sanguinea, so I can't help you much in that regard but I'm sure someone with alot more knowlege and help will come along soon to your aid.

They look great!

Julie

They look good to me, not too much damage. I sometimes spray the top, or put a drop of water on head, to make it moist so it comes off by itself.

I have grown seed from Native Habitat, marked red and yellow. Sanguinea(red) for 3 years here, never saw the first bloom, then spidermites got them.. We have had exceptionally cool summers, 90's highest.

Hi Betty,

I have never known anyone that has had good luck with B. sanguinea in the deep south. I live in the mountains of southern West Virginia and our summer temps. rarely ever get into the 90's, but we do have a good bit of humidity. My sang does ok in mostly shade, but will not bloom until the temps and humidity comes down in the late summer and early fall. By then it is time to bring them in for the winter.

Maybe someone who has tried it in the deep south can come along and give you some specific info.

Your seedlings look great though!

David