This MG was sprouted on the last day of August, last summer. It has bloomed all winter, and today (March 6), I took the first mature seeds from the vine. That means it took 6 MONTHS and a few days to produce the first mature seeds. It is no wonder people are disappointed when they don't get seeds from japanese MG's after growing them in the garden for three months of summer weather. They are on a different time table than the purpurea, etc.
Beth
Here is a different example of a plant I grew about the same time frame, but outside, in a gallon pot and 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama.
Seed planted - August 5, 2006; first flower - September 10, 2006; seed harvested - October 21, 2006.....this seed could have been harvested sooner. The plant was pretty much expired at the time of seed harvest.
This was a hybrid plant from a purple star shaped flower of a plant from purchased seed labeled "Kikyousaki".
Here is my journal with pictures for this plant:
http://davesgarden.com/journal/j/viewentry/103225/
I would say that growing conditions have a lot to do with successful seed production.
Any other interesting tales...
Arlan
The temperature and amount of light could do a lot to vary the course of seed production. Since mine was growing all winter instead of summer it might have taken longer. I'll grow out the seeds this summer in the garden and journal how long they take to make seed.
I agree with Arlan regarding growing conditions will affect seed production. Last year I grew a few Yohjiro and and did get seeds from the plants that I grew. The weather where I live reminds me of Texas but it don't get as hot or humid. Some MG can deal with direct sun and some need shade. This is something that I will be keeping a record of this season.
My plants really suffered last year when it got really hot an humid. I had most of my seed harvested by the end of July, as the plants were failing fast. I think I had first flowers about the end of April in the garden, but many of the first blooms did not set seed.
During very hot days that can cause harm to plants, some gardeners put up bamboo sun barriers. They are sold in many different sizes at the hardware stores and garden shops. You may have seen some in the morning glory festival display pictures. It gets hot in some parts of Japan during summer and others areas remain cool even during summer. Kyushu is far west near Okinawa and Tokyo is far east. I'm located in the very center of Japan.
Ah, I wish we had morning glory markets here, like you do!
I must admit that I will be buying many of the basic JMG plants and replant them but will be sowing the rare seeds that I'm currently collecting. The MG festivals will start in June where seeds are also being traded and sold. I'm looking foward to this growing season.
