View Single Post
  #1   Report Post  
Old 30-04-2003, 05:21 PM
Janet Galpin and Oliver Patterson
 
Posts: n/a
Default Romneya coulteri germination update

Following the correspondence a few weeks ago about Romneya germination,
I acquired some seed from Chiltern Seeds and followed Sasha/Ray's
advice, which was to burn pine needles on top of the pot, then chill,
and then keep warm.

I wasn't hopeful as I essentially made a hash of it. I sowed the deed,
knowing I had a small pine tree. I went to my pine tree, pulled a few
needles off and then realised that no way would they burn as they were
entirely green. I decided that a few days in the grenhouse would dry
them up so I spread them over the pot of seed and left them. Several
weeks went by. I worried that having the seed sitting there in damp
compost was not the idea. At regular intervals I attempted to set fire
to them, always with dismal results. Eventually after many attempts they
were dry enough to burn and I enjoyed the minor conflagration.

I followed Sasha's advice, with all hope long since dead, and put them
in the fridge for two weeks. I then stood them on the central heating
boiler. A few days ago, I was stunned to see four small seedlings on the
pot. I have transferred them to the greenhouse, realising there is a
fair way to go yet but delighted to have got this far (Thank-you Sasha
and Ray).

I'm now wondering how soon to prick out the tiny seedlings. I thnk the
poppy family doesn't like root disturbance, so I could yet lose them.

Any advice on this?

Janet G