I've got no information on starting these two herbs from seed. Right now, they are in trays in moist sterile starter with domes. Any more information (how long til germination, rate, etc.) would be most helpful.
Barb
Starting Cardamom and Patchouli from seed
Start here?
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53931/index.html
~* Robin
Barb, I was curious about growing cardamom from seed, too, so I did a google search. This is excerpted from a cached copy (since the link is no longer good) of www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/cardamom_production__trade.html
Quoting:
Cultivation
Cardamom is propagated either vegetatively or by seedlings. For vegetative propagation, the rhizomes of large clumps are divided into small pieces which are planted into prepared holes in the soil. This method gives earlier fruit yields than those planted as seedlings, but plant material is often limited and farmers can't always get hold it.
For large-scale propagation it is common practise to sow seeds in special nurseries. Fresh cardamom seeds are sown quickly, as they only remain viable for 7-10 days. The very young plants that grow from the seeds are known as seedlings. When they are about 1-2 years old they are planted into a field, below shade trees.
Perhaps someone will have more encouraging news about growing cardamom from seed. :)
Donna
Thanks for all that. I suppose that means my cardamom is not viable but I have nothing to lose...
Barb