any info euphorbia -summer icicle

hi---anyone started euphorbia summer icicle---hardyplants.com says doesnt like roots disturbed-plant in tall seed plug--they couldnt mean those little one inch by one half seed plugs could they--how could something that didnt like its roots disturbed be started in a seed plug---anyone know what minimal size one can use like 72 cell seed starters--anyone have any experience in planting these seeds or maby a similar one these are annual euphorbia i guess--iit says you can plant in the ground direct as seed--but i was wondering if they would produce viable seed unless i started them early inside--anyone out there knowledgable concerning these euphorbias--noone else indicated any problem with touchy roots with icicle seeds except hardyplants but they do have one of the most complete databases on plant properties i know of and seed germinating info available so i presume their is a problem------pleeeezzzz------stevo

I got some of these seeds this year myself... I will be anxiously awaiting responses!

I grew Euphorbia 'Mount Kilimanjaro' (which seems to be pretty much the same thing) from seed last year. I sowed the seeds directly into 4" plastic pots, put them in my greenhouse in April (ave. temps around 60F). When they were about 7" tall, it was warm enough to plant them out. The roots had not filled the pot yet, so I let the soil dry as much as I dared, then planted them. No problems whatsoever, and they brightened up the bed all summer long. I'll be curious to see if any seeds survive this winter to pop up in the spring.

I just got some cow pots, and I think I will use them on these.

I got this info from Stokes:

Pre-chill seed for 10 days at 35°F/2°C before sowing. Sow indoors Oct. 15th for May green plant sales. This is a slow growing perennial so allow 20 weeks from seed to sale. Germinate at 68-72°F/20-22°C for 10-15 days. Transplant 15 weeks later into pots or paks. Seedlings must be grown cool at 55°F/13°C.

Guess I need to get my seeds in the refrigerator...

I grew the Killimanjaro, and also Summer Something for the last few years. Any plugs are fine, but they grow quite fast once they get going. I htink the HardyPlants guy was not wanting you to grow them in a community pot and be pulling them apart when they were a foot tall or something. They are one step away from a weed, and I doubt you will kill them with normal germinating, growing & transplanting practices, either inside or direct sowing.

Stevo, Yes, from a direct sowing they bloomed and set seed here the same year. Bloomed in late July-early August, so there was no question. I have also wintersowed this with the same results.

Of all the plants I have ever grow from seed, this was one of the easiest --easier than Zinnias and Nasturtiums, IMHO. I was afraid the seedlings would self-sow and take over the garden, so I clipped them while in bloom.

Suzy

I think these are all similar to the euphorbia I have that self seeds in my garden called Snow on the Mountain. It germinates quite readily once the ground gets to about 70 degrees, so warmth would be my first thought as to seed requirements. Also as the seed is very small I would guess light (as in press into soil, rather than covering) is also important. I am not so sure cold straitfication is a must, although I would think in future years, this would be a great candidate for winter sowing. Also, the seedlings have a very distinctive blue tone to their leaves. It is quite easy to weed out the unwanted seedlings in the spring, although I do clip back the seed heads in late fall or pull out entire plants when cleaning up my garden in the fall. Also the plants have that possibly irritating white milky sap, and I have heard they are poisonous to cattle (or, I asume, pets). I have had no trouble transplanting them when they have up to 6 leaves to anywhere in my yard I wish them to be. They do wilt quite badly, though, until they re-establish themselves.

I like this plant a lot, and love to cut large bouquets. Pinching helps branching although it will do it on its own as it matures. As a solo plant in a bouquet they are great, although I woud change the water a few hours after first putting in a vase to get rid of the foggy water as the plant releases that sap.

Well, the seeds I got are pretty big - a little bit smaller than a sweet pea so I am not sure if it is the same one... I have some being chilled and I will plant some without chilling and see which does better. Thanks for the info!