Bergenia germination question

Hi Everyone, I had sown some bergenia seeds and they had all come up. I had the prettiest little pot of seedlings, then suddenly they all died. Does anyone know how to germinate these seeds. Thanks, ibartoo

Sounds like germination wasn't the issue since they came up...I'd guess damping off or something like that since that's a pretty common thing. Did you notice the base of the stem looking pinched in? If so then it was damping off that did it so for next time you might try sterilizing your seed starting mix and be careful on the watering.

Thanks, I didn't notice them looking "pinched". they may have gotten too much water though. I will try to find some more seeds and start again.

I bought Bergenia seeds from Parks 7 years ago. Surfaced sowed them in the house and grew them under lights at 70F degrees. According to my record, I started them on Jan 11, 02 and they began to sprout Jan 24, 02. I transplanted them on Feb 26, 02. I think almost every seed germinated. Never lost one. I used a commercial seed mix to sow them in. The mix was very fine in texture.

They are my favorite shade plants. I have them growing in different aeas in my garden. Some get morning sun, other gets all shade.

Although not classified as such, they seems to be on the succulent side. Their thick leaves and stem helps them to be drought resistant. My guess is that you probably overwatered your seedlings---unless it was unsterilized soil.

When I water seedlings--or any pot--I can tell my the weight if it needs water. I also feel the soil. If the surface starts to dry out, then watering is needed. Though the surface is dry, the soil below is still damp to keep the seedlings growing but at this point needs more. I water from below, adding a bit of water on top to start the wicking action.

Caption: One of the plants I sowed. Bergenia cordifolia variety 'Red Start'

This message was edited Feb 28, 2009 6:26 PM

Thanks Blomma, I may have to order some seeds and start over. I appreciate the info. Linda