Mexican Petunias

I have been trying to collect seeds of the Mexican Petunias, I especially want the shorter landscaping variety, but I dont seem to be having any luck, some advice please.

Rita, the seedpods burst and disperse the seed, so you have to catch them just at the right time, when they are mature, but not quite ready to open.
When you pick them, put them in a paper bag, as they will explode and you may loose the seeds anyway, if they are not contained.
Good luck, I hope that helps.
Josephine.

The other thing is that these plants, though lovely are somewhat invasive because as Josephine says the seed pods explode sending seed everywhere. Easy to pull up when they are small though.

Rita, Lowe's seems to always have them, you would have plenty in no time. In my yard they pop up everywhere, just from 3 mature plants.

I need the seed to send back home (Aust) and I have found the tall variety sread the seed but not the minature, can I buy them any where?

I have never seen the seed for sale; you could buy a plant and collect the seed.

If I can get some seeds off of mine, I'll Dmail you.

I've heard before about how prolific Mexican Petunias seem to be...but mine have yet to get alot more plants going...tho I think the shorter variety have those long runners....I reckon they do well with cuttings?

My small ones do have seed and pop them. Yes the plantlets pull up easily and oddly repot easily so other gardeners can be blessed ( read plagued ) with them.

This is the one I have:

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/38186/ and it's not as invasive. But they pluck out when they transplant SO easily it's no biggie. I finally heard them popping the other night, first time ever noticed it in the year they've been in. They grew faster than expected so I do need to dig them up and transplant some.

Yes, that is the one I have too. Also have it in white.

I haven't seen the white, mine are pink and purple.

Fly ~ I will see if I have a photo. I keep it in a pot. It doesn't bloom as prolifically as the purple. Will check for seed if you are interested... pod

Thanks Pod, I bet they are pretty.

Rita - These people have seeds for sale:



http://www.hardyplants.com/seeds/rut1.html


http://search.ebay.com/ruellia

Hope this helps.

Edited to say: You can also post in the WANTED section on eBay.

This message was edited Aug 18, 2006 11:24 PM

Hmmm...I haven't seen the white either...bet they're lovely... :)

I keep the white Ruellia Katie in a pot in a sheltered spot. It is just starting to bloom. I took a photo this morning but haven't had time to look for seeds if I have any from last season. If not, I will have to harvest some as it starts to seed. Will gladly share...

thanks all I will keep inspecting the local parks and gardens and nature strips, bound to get some sooner or later, but feel free to offer some if you find some before me, Rita.

I have the dwarf purple ones. I love the pink and white too.

Do they have any tall white ones? Would love to find some....only have pink and purple...

Melanie

Melanie I have never seen a tall white ~ only pink or purple.

The first ruellia I got is a trailing one with furry leaves and purple blooms. I am unsure what it is called. It was pretty in a hanging basket but spread seeds far and wide. Still have some in a flower bed but as dry as we are they look rather ratty...

Mine have exploded to triple their size so I dug them out, cut them back, tossed the excess and replanted them in the ground. It's been about 2 weeks and nothings died yet but they all still look wilty. Any suggestions to perk them up? DH said he'll superthrive them tomorrow....just wondering if they'll make it....thought these were pretty hardy transplanters?

They'll make it, there's no way they won't... : ))) pod

LOL podster! That's what I was hopin' to hear!

It will just take a little time and some water and they will be back with a vengance! : ))

A vengance...hehehe...!!!

I ordered the dwarf pink Mex. Petunia seeds from this store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Onalees-Home-Grown-Seeds-and-More_Perennials/Shipping-and-Handling.html_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ3QQftidZ2QQtZkm

OH No ... I can't look... Please don't tempt me!! : ))

Dancey, I had to look. They are pretty. You know, I believe Onalee is a DG'r from Florida. Not to take business away, but if you are looking for seeds put out a request on the seed exchange or trading forum. If I have seeds or plants, I will gladly share. Most of us would.

Has anyone seen any of the white tall ones? I have the tall lavender and pink...but can't seem to find any white.. : /
Melanie

I haven't seen tall white ones. I have the short white "Katie" I believe it is... I am not sure why but I get very few seeds.

Pod I never thought about checking the seed exchange. Duh! Sometimes I forget it's here.
Thanks for reminding me. ;)
Lin

The Purple are growing all over in my area.
I made some cuttings and they were very fast to root.
I notice they grew VERY tall in the sunny areas and stay small in my shady areas.
I will look for seed.
Tricia

I have grown the short Katie Ruella (purple) for years. Silly me, I bought 3 plants! I just started this spring w/the tall ruella (purple) and I really like them. I just cut mine back in hopes that they bush a little. The hummers really like them as do the butterflies.

Ann

I like the tall purple ones too...Ann...My clump hasn't spread anywhere...and its gotten so tall that it is almost to my shoulders! I planted a tall pink one recently....and can't wait to see how big it gets.. :)
Melanie

I have a few tall purple ones but they are so spindly. I don't care for the way they look.

They only look good to me when there is a mass of them... but not by themself.
I really like more rare plants since these grow wild here they don't interest me that much:)
Tricia

Thats what I'm trying to get is a "mass" which is why I cut mine back even tho they were blooming like gangbusters. They are only supposed to get 4' tall but I'm 5'2" and they were over my head.

Ann

That is pretty plantladyhou a mass of these. I see them in my street --
Tricia

My gosh...sounds more like an oleander bush!!!!!!!!! WOW!

I did my dividing on my katie's and all still seem shocked...hehe...but 1 yellowed up and the leaves almost all came off so we'll have to wait and see if she makes it?!

Have them planted around the curve of front walk and wouldn't you know it the seed found it's way to the backyard despite the 6' privacy fence!