We've had the discussion before between Nerine and Lycoris. The picture is one or the other. These seeds were picked off the flowers when they looked big and about to scatter. I kept them just sitting in a custard cup all winter on a windowsill. No soil, no cover, nada. I was cleaning today and saw something was growing out of most of them. Before I stuck them in some moist potting mixture, about an inch deep, I took this picture. I had no idea which way to plant them in the soil. Any help?
Lycoris offsets too well for me, I haven't done them from seeds. The only Nerine I grow is Nerine filifoli because its the only one that does well in my climate. I have done it from seed and the seeds looked much as yours do but were all darker brown. I just put them in my usual bulb starting mix and barely covered them. They are up and doing just fine. I assumed that they would find their way up (leaves) or down (roots) on their own so I just laid them on the top of the surface and lightly covered them. Don't know if that helps. They are outside and have been subjected to a couple of freezes.
Don't know if this will help or not.
Debbie
I would agree that they should barely be covered. I have had a couple of seed when I first got my Nerine and just stuck them under the surface in the same pot, I'm sure they grew.
An inch deep may be too deep. What you have there is very much the same as most fleshy bulb seeds which make a radicle, the bulb forms after that is sent down. You can see one is swelling at the end already. The first leaf should come from near the seed on the radicle, usually on the bend. I always place this type of seed half pushed into the surface when I grow them inside, but they are fairly hardy so they should be OK outside in a sheltered spot.
So, what to do is tip them out, place the radicle/root straight down with the seed just peeking out and keep moist but well drained. I would leave the top half out with the curved part of the radicle showing. DO leave the seed on, let it come off when it's ready as the bulb and leaves will need this food supply to form until it has made roots properly. That's probalby why it's best to leave the seeds where they won't deteriorate easily.
I do keep most but don't push anything in any direction, its not needed. The radicle will grow down in response to gravity--no aiming it is needed. Unless, of course this is a space shuttle project--lol
True Deb, the radicle will grow straight down (and without the aid of a space shuttle project, lol!). Unfortunately dun1kirk's seeds already have long radicles so need a bit of direction.
The 'push' was for my own seed before it has grown, such as clivia or amaryllis seed which are fleshy. It helps keep the seed moist but not wet to enable the radicle to grow, but again these are different seeds and Nerine or Lycoris seeds will be a little tougher, less likely to rot, and probably viable for longer.
To give an idea to dun1kirk of what I mean, here is a pic of my clivia which are just growing leaves from the radicle.
This message was edited Mar 9, 2008 1:18 AM
I planted seeds that looked exactly like his with a radicle--they don't need direction, they will grow in response to gravity.
I've done hundreds Nerine filifoli seeds that look exactly like his with a radicle---If I'm not successful, I don't eat. The space shuttle joke meant in the absence of gravity. Bulbs and their seeds are a lot easier and more durable than folks believe. Its an adaptation for survival. Just lay them on the surface, cover lightly, keep moist until leaves emerge. Patience, that may take a while
=)
This message was edited Mar 8, 2008 8:44 PM
