I am in the process of scanning the Archives for information on growing Brugmansia seeds. I realize there are many, many different ways. Would some of you please share ways that have worked best for you ? I am in Zone 8 and I do have a small greenhouse with electricity and running water.
I am so excited about this new adventure! I just don't want to "use, abuse and lose" any of my seeds by rotting them or drying them out or any other way of ruining them :)
Thanks for your help and God bless, Margo
Seed germination ?
I think you'll get lots of views on this lol. I have found that the more over-careful I have been, the less success I have had!!
Some (very expert!) people say Brug seeds gernminate best on the surface of mix because they need light to trigger germination. I must say I find they are more lkely to rot this way.
Others say you should peel the corky layer off the seed to reveal the paler bean-like embryo within, and then sow that. I have to say I don't agree with that either....
However, obviously these treatments work for some people!
I have best results sowing whole seed in trays of standard potting mix: scatter over the surface, press down lightly and then only just cover with a layer of potting mix.
I then water thoroughly once and cover the tray with a plastic dome and keep in a light warm (not hot; not cold) place until they sprout.
This way seems to keep the seedlings humid enough to escape from the corky seed coats which can become stuck in low humidity.
OK over to someone else!! :-)
This message was edited Dec 4, 2006 2:55 AM
Margo, as Alistair said, different ways work for different people. There was a bit of trial and error till I found the way to the best germination rate for me. I use rockwool and just love it but some others do not.
I use damp plastic bags to get the humidity Alistair uses his dome for. I find humidity is a must no matter what way you use!
Those look nice Kell! Are they peeled? I can't quite tell..
Not to be outdone........ [just kidding of course :-)]
In the dome
This message was edited Dec 4, 2006 4:20 AM
And with the dome off..
Sown as described above
Yes, I do peel. I tried dirt Alistair and I go too much rot. I wish it worked for me like it works for you. That is just great. Are they all the same cross? I hope it is a great one. LOL
I sometimes wonder if different methods don't work better with different crosses rather than different people! For example I haven't had such high germination rates with large-seeded aurea-dominated hybrids.
Yes these are the same cross - a suaveolens-dominated one: I'll probably grow on the 40 most vigorous seedlings - provided I can soon cull from the seedling raising bed to make space! Lots of things Y-ing there all at once!
I had never heard of rockwool until I got into Brug forums! What is it???
Also if your seeds are really fresh, they will germinate on concrete. LOL
Rockwool is used in hydroponics, Alistair. It holds oxygen even when wet so it is much harder to rot seeds or seedlings. It is a clean way to start seeds with no muss or fuss. I just wet my squares of rockwool, put in a tupperwear bottom, turn over to drain for a second and then push my seeds into the holes. I then enclose in a damp plastic bag and do not open it again till the seedlings are at least 2 inches high. It is so easy. I know there are instructions to mess with PH solutions and fertilizers but I have never used any of this. Also I have researched thoroughly the health issues some people have raised and I am very comfortable in using it. I found no real issues and I really looked into the info out there pro and con.
It is used extensively in other countries for greenhouse raised vegetables.
http://www.alternativegarden.com/site/library/rockwool.html
I use only the Grodan brand for I found cheaper brands just were not as good at all.
http://www.hydroponics101.com/sw57958.asp
Here is the bottom of the cubes with the roots so healthy.
i plant my seeds in straight Vermiculite and i peel regards Paul
I think everyone has to determine what works well for them. I believe what zone you are in helps you make that decision. I am in a warm/humid zone and fungal spores abound here, leading to rot. I have found that using Monikas idea of sterilizing the soil by boiling it first in a cheese cloth or gauze type bag will get rid of most soil borne enemies. Even seed starter soil that says "sterile" should be boiled. That really helps a lot in keeping down the fungus and rot when growing in soil.
I do not peel my seeds. I nick them. I found when I was peeling I would accidentally make a small cut into the bean with my nail. That lead to immediate rot. Now I simply soak them overnight and the remove a small piece of the cork. Just enough so that I can see the bean. That allows the germinating seed a hatch door to come through and easily slip off the rest of the cork. Also, like Kell said the most important thing is humidity. The humidity must be kept very high at least until the seedlings have shed their corks. If the humidity is not high enough the corks will dry on the top of the seedling and result in the infamous "headless seedling" which rarely make it.
To sum up: 1) sterile soil 2) initially high humidity
Once the seedlings are up and have secondary leaf formation, humidity is not as big of a deal. As long as you mist them occasionally and keep them moist, that is enough.
This message was edited Dec 4, 2006 10:23 AM
I will second that!! I have had the best outcome doing as Gary has said. I don't think Temp was covered I find that mine do best in the house that I keep between 65* and 70* with no direct sunlight.
Caren
Thanks everyone !! It looks like we'll have a fun Winter with out new found Brug seeds. I'm sure you'll all hear us cheer when our first babies "hatch" !
God bless and Happy Holidays to everyone :)
Margo
My favorite thing is growing from seed.. it is delightful.
I soak seeds for at least 24 hours in peroxide & superthrive.. then peel but not completely.. I've had luck rooting them first in a paper towel and then putting them directly in soil.. I also had good luck with Rapid Rooter Plugs... I like jiffy peat pellets too.
I had a disaster with Rockwool.. rotted almost everything for me. I couldn't afford anymore seeds to trial so I could master the rockwool method..
The best germination I had last year was getting mad.. throwing them in potting soil.. covering them and forgetting them completely.. got 62 babiez outta that deal.. :) Naturally, that was garbage seed..