Brunnera "Jack Frost"

I have this Brunnera "Jack Frost" and was wondering how to propagate it. I heard you can root these in water and was wondering if this is accurate. I've seen pictures and it looks like it becomes a large plant. I was wondering if it multiplies well. Thanks for any info you can provide.

echinaceamaniac - Great question! I have a 15 yo variegated Brunnera and it's never gotten really big the way the plain ones do (rampant reseeders!) and I'd love to have more. I'm interested in the responses you get.

I'd just split it!

Propagation Methods: Divide in spring or fall. Root cuttings in winter. This is a patented plant so bear that in mind....

Dave

Dave, what does your answer mean?

Probably illegal to split it!

I'm no expert, but I would imagine you could propagate a couple extra plants for yourself. But I wouldnt try to make a buck off of them, as that may lead to some trouble if the owner of the patent finds out.

Dave

watch out for the PPP (Plant Patent Patrol). Just ask anyone who has had to deal with Monsanto....

Dave - Brings up a question in my mind. If a patented plant grows big enough to need division, what are we supposed to do legally with the divisions? Sorry if I'm splitting hairs and really just truly curious about it.
evelyn - Monsanto - snort! My DD is intensively into organics and sustainability so I've been more aware of Monsanto's practices. Even I have been reading Michael Pollan. Is the timing of the Monsanto "American's Farmer" in response to the bad PR they've been getting?

I'll take my chances. They can come pry the divisions from my cold, dead hands!

LOL! I feel the same way but I was just curious.

Dave - Sounds logical. With the Monsanto thing, I wonder how many other plant/seed patent holders are following the same path.

Please tell me more about Monsanto.

I know there are other DG members that know the specifics far better than I but Monsanto has been aggressively "protecting" their patents on soy beans and alfalfa to the point of bankrupting farmers whose economical livelihood relies on saving seed from year to year. (I wonder how Monsanto or other companies are going to pull this off in third world countries that can't afford to buy seed every year.) Monsanto says they can't save seed because the seed rights belong to Monsanto, not the farmer. Monsanto has taken it so far as to prohibit farmer seed-saving in neighboring fields that don't even grow Monsanto product but whose crops might be affected with wind-blown pollen, thus establishing patent rights. Seed companies like Baker have gone after Monsanto claiming that Monsanto's pollen has contaminated heirloom non-GMO seed. There have also been some court rulings in Baker's favor. Much more info on the web.

I think I read something about a farmer in Covington, TN being in prison for saving his cotton seeds. Seriously!

Thank you Cindy. Wow, makes my brain tired!!!!!!!!!!

Wow - cotton seed too? I thought it was tradition to save some of the cotton for seed for the next year. ? Maybe I watch too much tv, huh? I think one of Monsanto's excuses - or it may be another seed patent-holder - is that because it's the trend to patent such things, if they don't patent it and protect their patents, that other companies would jump in and do the same thing. I think there's a big movement in Australia (?) going on to protect heirloom seed and seed collecting/propagating. Part of the big problem is that USDA is involved in erroneously protecting Monsanto's rights - can't remember if it's collusion or some other questionable activity.

Here's an article about it. They farmed the cotton field across from me when I was a kid!

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=30496

This message was edited Mar 2, 2010 2:10 PM

That's so sad. Talk about a monopoly on agriculture. Out on the web are lists of seed distributors that sell Monsanto-owned seed as some gardeners do boycott these companies because of their ties to Monsanto. It all started years ago with the GMO corn and soy beans. Thanks for posting that link.