CLOSED: Special Free Seeds Offer for 2008 Newbies!

Hello Pat!

Well, I see you like your seeds (*blush*).

If any of my Takers has additional questions re. sowing/growing these seeds, please post your questions here, so that everybody else gets the information. I sent more or less the same seeds to all my Takers.

Hugs to everybody,

Ursula

Hi Ursula
I was up late looking up my new seeds and writing down some details. I'm as thrilled as can be and will be starting them under lights this week. Many will be house plants here but that's great. That climbing/trailing nasturium is beautiful and I can't wait to see how it does for me. Many thanks again. Helen

Are you by any chance Gato on e-bay?

Sunny, I think you have a serious disease: Spring fever! LOL

Yes, I am mapundungu and my eBay store is Gato's Garden.

When sowing your Tropaeolum (Nasturtium) seeds, do it simultaneously with placing a trellis. This, in order not to damage the developing tubers. I would make something very simple, since they are not likely to bloom on the first year:

Place a stick/tutor in the center of the pot and distribute the seeds around (1/2" from the sides of the pot). Then tie a string around the top of the top, and more strings (as many as seeds you are sowing) to this 'pot belt'. Then bring them up and fix them to the tutor forming kind of a tent. The seeds will first produce a root and after that a funny looking green 'spagetti'. Gently guide the spagetti to the strings so that they can climb on them. Do not be disappointed if the greenery doesn't last long the first year. Stop watering once the foliage dies back and give them just a bit moisture every forthnight, since they will be in a pot. If planted in the soil I would stop watering.

The tubers hate being disturbed. Therefore, I suggest you only sow only about 3 seeds per pot. The following year, before the green spagettis emerge, place the undisturbed soil/tubers in a far bigger pot. I use 15 to 17" pots and on some I have just one tuber. Place the new trellis right away while you can see where the soil with the tubers is; this, because the tubers will start wandering and bury themselves very deep.

Don't be tempted to see what the tubers look like. Only a few of the ones I dug to make the pictures I posted for the different Tropaeolum species I grow survived and I planted them back right after taking the pictures.

Excessive water will make the tubers rot. Good drainage is the key to most Chilean native plants. Start watering very moderately during fall and a bit more during winter and while they are green/blooming.

Another question people have asked me is if the flowers of the Chilean (perennial) Tropaeolums are edible. I have never heard of anybody here eating them (nor using them for any medicinal purposes) and not long ago I read somewhere they could be toxic. So, you better enjoy them just with your eyes.

Happy Gardening!

Ursula

Ursula,

Thanks for the tips! That was one of the first ones I looked up!

Pat

One thing I forgot to add: these Tropaeolums are erratic germinators. One seed may sprout in 3 weeks, the next one in 2 months, and a few .... next year. That's another reason to carefully resize pots with the whole soil they were in.

Ursula

Hi Ursula
I figured that had to be you; very nice choice of seeds. Thanks for the additional information. Do you soak these first like regular nasturiums? I want to get mine started as soon as I can; we have a rather short season here in Michigan. Helen

Hi Sunny,

no, no soaking required for these Tropaeolums.

On the other hand, I see no reason soaking would damage them ;o). Why don't you try half and half and report your experience in the Plant Files?

What is important: they do require cold to germinate, slightly moist soil / good drainage.

Hugs,

Ursula

Wow!

Thanks Ursula! I was going to wait until warm weather to plant them, afraid I might kill them!

sunny,
Thanks for asking a very good question!

Pat

OK, I see you have not checked my recommendations on the Plant Files. Please, one of you send me the list of the seeds I sent you and I will post here the recommendations I use to send to my eBay Customers.

Hugs,

Ursula

Ursula!

So sorry! I only went to the point on each page that describes the seed collection! I didn't go all the way to the bottom of each page to read the notes!

I am going back to each plant a print a copy of the notes for future reference!

Newbies: If you go to the bottom of the page that describes each plant, you will see further information and instructions!

Pat

It's OK, Pat, don't worry. Just give me the list and I will post here. There might be some additional information I have been adding to the info I send to my Customers that you will not find on the PF.

Ursula

Come on - one of my Takers please let me have a list of the seeds I sent and I will make it easier or you to get the proper sowing/growing recommendations posting them here. Honestly, I just recall 3 of the seed types I sent out: Tropaeolum tricolor, Rhodophiala rhodolirion and Sisyrinchium striatum. That's 3 out of 8 - I don't approve ........

Hugs,

Ursula

Ursula,

They were: Pasithea coerulea, Alstroemeria umbrellata, Tropaeolum tricolor,Olsynium scirpideum,Conanthera trimaculta,Schizanthus hookeri,Sisyrinchium straitum,Rhodophiala rhodolirion.

Pat

Thanks, Pat!

Ursula, heres the list you sent me, I have been checking your web site and reading up on these plants, thank you. I plan on winter sowing part of each pack tomorrow


Tropaeolum tricolor
Sisyrinchium striatum
Schizanthus hookeri
Rhodophiala rhodolirion
Pasithea coerulea ,
Olsynium scirpoideum
Conanthera trimaculata,
Alstroemeria umbellata

Germinating & growing tips for
Chilean Native Flora


The sowing/growing tips provided proceed from research on reliable sources, my own experience and my friends’ experience.

Very important: good drainage is a MUST for most Chilean native species (unless otherwise indicated) and care has to be taken not to over-water the sowing-pans/seedlings/plants. The area from which my seeds proceed are either a Mediterranean type climate (equivalent to a USA zone 9b) with minimum temperatures during winter of –4°C and maximum temperatures during summer of 34°C, or from The Andes mountains at areas equivalent to a USA zone 6b. The seed-packages are identified with yellow labels for Mediterranean climate type species and pink labels for high Andean species.

Tricky germinators:

Alstroemerias and Tropaeolums are tricky germinators. As most of my seeds, they are best sowed in a cold frame during autumn if you live in a climate similar to mine since they need Winter-cold to germinate. Also, Tropaeolums should not be transplanted before they are at least one year old. If all your seeds have not germinated at that time, do not discard your sowing-mix and keep taking care of them – you can have surprises even 3 years later!

Schizanthus species can be tricky. If they do not germinate during the first 30 days of spring, I suggest you place the sowing pan on either a shady or a dark place and check permanently for germination. As soon as you see them germinate, re-place the sowing pan to a place with lots of light.

Most of my sowing recommendations say that the seeds should be sowed during autumn, which is the season we mainly sow our seeds. Please remember that I am in the Southern Hemisphere and that the seeds you are purchasing have not gone through winter. This is very important, because they require a cold period. If you do not want to wait for autumn sowing, you will have to give them a cold treatment. Don’t forget to keep the sowing pans barely moist, never wet.

If your climate is different than mine, is suggest you check the following websites for useful information:

· Dave’s Garden (www.davesgarden.com) has a very helpful Plant File (I contribute with Chilean native flora *blush*) with good basic information and comments from people from all over the world.
· Tom Clothier (http://tomclothier.hort.net/) has grown many of our native species and provides very accurate information.
· Thompson & Morgan’s (http://www.thompson-morgan.com/)
· The Seed Site http://www.theseedsite.co.uk/



From the Central Valley of Chile (equivalent to an USA zone9b):

· Conanthera trimaculata

Conantheras should be planted in nutrient rich lose organic soil with good drainage and provide regular watering. Corms should be lifted every three years in autumn and replanted in fresh nutrient rich and well-drained soil. The production of offset bulbils is very low. Fertilize once a year with fully decomposed manure.

Propagation from seeds: in autumn, in a mix made of equal portions of compost, vermiculite and river sand. Cover the sowing mix with a fine layer of sharp river sand, distribute the seeds and barely cover with another layer of sand. Do not transplant before one year, when the little corm has fully developed, into the same mix. Seed grown Conantheras will bloom the third year.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/85252/index.html


· Pasithea coerulea

This beauty is another Chilean Native plant that can be planted in meadows, flowerbeds, pots, containers (balconies), etc. Can be used as cut flower, but it is likely to drop 'blue tears'.

Propagation via seeds is recommended during autumn, stratifying the seeds in a mixture of equal parts of compost, regular garden soil and sand (not beach sand! but river sand). Plantlets can be separated and planted in individual pots or plastic bags once they reach 5 cm (little less than 2"). They will bloom on the second year.

This plant can also be reproduced separating/splitting the rhizomes.

Do not over water.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/84226/index.html


· Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum tricolor is a Chilean endemic vine, so why call them 'Bolivian Nasturtium'?

This lovely climber with deep red or orangish-red flowers, enhanced with blue and yellow, produces a tuber. It reaches up to 3 m height and blooms from late winter to early summer.

Requires well-drained slightly humid soil, neutral pH, high luminosity and full sun exposure. Also requires support to climb. Normally they will bloom the second year if grown from seeds, although from the third year on they will have the most amazing flower-display.

Chilean native Tropaeolums require very deep pots if you do not want to plant them in the soil. They also like to have their tubers/roots in the shade (covered by other plants) and require a shrub or a trellis to climb on.

Sowing recommendations: propagate from seeds in autumn in a mix of: 2 portions compost, 1 portion regular garden soil and 1 portion sharp river sand. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of sharp river sand. They will germinate mid to late winter and should not be transplanted before one year, after they have lost their foliage and have formed a tuber.

Since the tubers bury themselves very deep into the soil in nature, if you want to grow them you must use sowing pots with a depth of at least 7" (18cm). Sow no more than 3 seeds per pot and do not transplant them before the tubers have developed to a proper size after one year. Soil must be kept humid, not wet.

These Tropaeolums require some cold to germinate. Therefore, if your climate is warmer than a zone 9b, they will require some cold treatment. Proceed as described before, then cover with a plastic bag and seal it. Place it in the less cold part of the refrigerator (usually the vegetables compartment) for two weeks. Check them permanently and if they germinate before this period is over, take them outdoors. If the have not germinated after 2 weeks, take them outdoors for 2 weeks (without the plastic cover) and then repeat the refrigerator procedure.

As with so many other Chilean Native plants, good drainage is essential. If the tubers are planted in soggy soil they will rot.

Once the blooming period is over, foliage will die back. At this time start watering them only a bit once a week if it does not rain in your area.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/62232/index.html



From the High Andes Mountains (hardy to at least a Zone 6b):

· Alstroemeria exserens
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/101364/index.html

· Alstroemeria pallida
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/120948/index.html

· Alstroemeria umbellata
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/128233/index.html

These 3 Alstroemeria species grow in The Andes Mountains, at altitudes that range from 2000 to 3000 meters above sea level. They are hardy to an equivalent to a USA zone 6b – could be even hardier, but I have no information that supports this. Their habitat is a gritty and rocky very well drained slightly humid soil and they love full sun. A. pallida and A. exserens can reach 30 to 45cm height, while A. umbellata is a very low plant (15 to 30cm). Although a Dave’s Garden pal obtained a Guinness record having A. pallida bloom only a few months after sowing, these three species usually bloom from the second year on, improving the quality of the plant and the flowers in the forthcoming years. These Alstroemeria species benefit from fully decomposed manure fertilizing during autumn and you can lift the rhizomes/fleshy roots (carefully, they are very brittle) to split them and reproduce your plants every 3 years.

Propagation from seeds: during autumn, in a mix of equal parts of compost, vermiculite and sharp river sand. Cover this mixture with a fine layer of sand, distribute your seeds and barely cover them with some more sand. Place your sowing pan either in a cold frame or a cold greenhouse if you have heavy rains in your area, and take them out to be covered by the snow if that’s your case. The seedlings will sprout during spring and can be transplanted once they are 3cm tall (little over 1”) using the same soil mixture. All 3 can be planted as well in the garden as in containers. A. umbellata makes an amazing groundcover and A. pallida and A. exserens can be used as cut flowers. All 3 species are adequate for rock gardens and borders.


· Olsynium scirpoideum

The natural habitat of O. scirpoideum is on sunny, rocky slopes at altitudes that range from 60 to 2500m above sea level. These pretty Iridaceae develop a rhizome and can bloom the first year grown from seeds, but will display their best from the second year on. Lots of light and good drainage are a must. Deadhead the flowers and only keep the seed pods you will require for further increasing your Olsyniums. This will prevent the rhizome to age too soon.

Propagation from seeds: during autumn, in a mix of equal parts of compost, regular garden soil and sharp river sand. Cover this mix with a layer of sand, distribute the seeds and spread some more sand over them to barely cover the seeds. Place your sowing pan in a cold frame or cold greenhouse if you have heavy rain in your area. If you have snow, place the sowing pan outdoors and let nature do its work. The seedlings can be transplanted once they are 5cm (2”) tall. Do not over water!

Olsyniums are great rock garden plants, as well as adequate for the front of a border or to be grown in pots.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/128502/index.html


· Rhodophiala rhodolirion

This pretty Amaryllidaceae has its natural habitat in the Chilean portion of the Andes Mountains, between 1800 and 3500m above sea level.

Main requirements: very fertile and well-drained soil, full sun. The bulbs require a cold period of at least 3 months during winter (covered with snow, without watering). Good drainage is very important!

They have usually only one flower per stem, each flower some 6 cm (2") diameter. Their colour can range from white to pink, and the flowers will have either red dots or stripes.

Propagation: stratified sowing in Autumn, using a mix of one part regular garden soil, two parts compost, one part river sand and one part perlite. Display seeds on the surface and barely cover them with some sand to keep them on their place when watering. Do not remove the bulbils before one year. They will bloom when the bulb is fully mature (third to fourth year from seed). This bulb produces only one bulbil every 2 or 3 years.

Fertilize at least once a year (during Autumn) with an organic fertilizer.

Rhodophiala rhodolirion is adequate for borders, bulb beds, and especially for pots and containers.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/85175/index.html


· Schizanthus hookerii

Home of this species is the Andes Mountains (between 1400 and 2500m above sea level). Full sun, fertile and lose soil and good drainage are a must. Do not over water.

It is recommended to pinch the tips in order to induce a bushy growth. Otherwise, the plant might look leggy. However excessive pinching will result in a biennial.

Sowing recommendations: during autumn, in a mix of two parts compost, one part regular garden soil and one part sharp river sand. Seeds can also be sowed directly during the last Winter month. Please check my recommendations on top for ‘tricky germinators’

This plant looks lovely in flowerbeds, meadows, pots, containers, etc.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/85120/index.html


· Sisyrinchium striatum

My seeds were collected in the high Andes (some 2500m above sea level), where currently people are enjoying skiing and other winter sports. Yes, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere! These seeds come from plants with bright yellow flowers, not the usual creamish or yellowish coloured ones. They are of fast growth and bloom the first year if grown from seeds, reaching its best flower display from the second year on. Again, good drainage is a must, although a slightly moist soil is desirable.

Propagation from seeds: during autumn in a mix of equal parts of compost, regular garden soil and river sand. Place a layer of sharp river sand on top of this mixture, distribute the seeds and slightly cover with another layer of sand. Place the sowing pan in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. Transplant once the seedling reaches 5 cm (2"). This plant can also be propagated dividing its rhizomes.

Recommended for borders, to naturalize on a meadow, in flowerbeds, pots, containers, etc. Can be used as cut flower.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/2188/index.html


There might have been variations in the different packages, so if you received a different type of seeds, please let m know and I will add them.

Hugs,

Ursula

Thank you Ursula, more good info.

The pictures on your site are worth the extra treament to care for them.

they are just beautiful

That's what I wanted: to make a few gardeners happy!

Ursula,

You did just that! Also, long term anticipation to see the first flowers on some of these plants!

Pat

Hi Ursula, Thanks for the growing tips. I have been away from the computer for a while. Building a gh for a friend. I will send you a picture when it is ready. Thanks again. André

Ursula -

I just wanted to say that was a wonderful gesture on behalf of your mother. I'm sure she's watching over you and smiling.

Kathy

André, you seem the kind of friends i like ;o)

Thanks, Kathy. It is a good feeling when you find a way to channel the blues by making other people happy.

Hugs,

Ursula

Ursula -

That comment reminds me to tell you that I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I highly recommend that you read it. It's very funny and yet very thought-provoking. Her mind goes a mile a minute.

Talk about channeling the blues . . .

Thanks, Katie. I will see if I can find that book.

Hugs,

Ursula

Have a good weekend, Ursula. :-)

You took, Katie. Remember: Spring is right around the corner for you (Autumn for us).

Hugs,

Ursula

Ursula,

I planted some of each kind of seed that you gave me. I mixed the ingredients separately for each type of seed. I saved over half of each kind, just in case it warms up too much for them to germinate this winter.

I will keep you posted of any progress!

Pat

I think you made a very good decision, Pat.

It would be very helpful for other DG members (and for the whole cyber-space!) living in a similar zone than yours if you made a comment on the respective data sheet of DG's Plant Files once you have successfully germinated your seeds.

Hugs,

Ursula