I really want these.
Is anybody else having results?

Karen

The first year I had ten seeds, WS'd them on April 19 and I had 100% germination April 27. BUT they grew so SLOWLY, that I could not get them in the ground until June 23,barely 2 inches tall, and they stayed small until August when they shot up. They flowered late (Sept) and it was difficult to collect seeds. The seeds collected only yielded 40% germination, started in damp coffee filters, and only germinated 'when I placed them under lights'. I was able to plant out about one week earlier and my blooms were earlier. I also collected seed last year. I have purposely done the same this year, and the germination is about 50%: Sowed April 10 with bottom heat and nothing; moved under lights April 19, germination April 21. I have five little seedlings growing well under my lights. I sowed a second set April 21, and got germination (50%) April 24 (under lights). I will pot them up tomorrow. I have read many times that some seeds need light to germinate and thought it a little obvious, but I have found it works for these Salvia. I will try the same for my Salvia exserta because that is also a bit difficult to get going.

I think my low germination rates are due to the late blooming. The first seeds I received were really black and hard. Many of the seeds I get crumble when rolled between the thumbs, and I keep the hardest of the lot, but I think proper ripening in full sun produces the best seed. I am content with my 50% germination - it's no surprise so I can sow accordingly.
Northerner

Maybe I'm not watering enough.

Do you that talked about watering - you water that much even while they are seeds, not sprouted?
I am always less water-aware if they are seeds.

And yes, the self-seeders are coming up. :)

well if nothing pops, I have more Yvonne salvia to sow.

still learning, :)

Ellen, token is probably getting much warmer temps than we are, hence the need for more watering. Like yours, mine are still soaked from days of rain and cold weather. They drain the excess, but not much evaporation going on in this weather. We had several dry weeks with some warm days- I was watering then.

Karen

PV

Also, if we plant them today, will they flower this year?

I saw your Yvonne here! It is SO beautiful! :)

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/wtrsow/msg1215380227447.html

Do you still have seeds left? :P

Thanks,

Neil

Karen

Please disregard my question. I was able to do seed exchange with someone at Seed Exchange.

Thanks.

I have only seen one Yvonne seedling, which was a dead one. :<

I'll give it a month from time of germination, and that's it.

Very odd, the last 10 containers, sown staring April 7, have not show one single sprout.

that's never happened to me.

I'm having to go out and buy a lot of plants. (not exactly a bad thing!)

Ellen, mine gets late day sun from about 3pm until 8pm in summer. It helps that it's usually 90+ and humid while they're blooming. Mine were over 4' tall last year.

So the person(the one who will give me seed) told me he just direct sow this type of salvia. Does direct sowing folks also works for you?

In zone 5, how far apart should I put the seeds? I saw a pic of this salvia in zone 8, it was humongous!

Karen

I love these plants and so do the hummers - couldn't be without them. I also sowed Salvia 'Lady in Red' and 'Coral Nymph'. Just wish I had more sun to grow more of them!

Except I give up their "real estate" to a new crop of hollyhocks......I'll have to find another spot (not easy - it is getting PACKED out there!)

How are your yvonne salvias? Do you have pictures?

Thanks!

I haven't taken any pictures since July 4th

It has been too hot and sunny for pics- everything would just look washed out. Hot and sunny every day. We we on vacation last week and, as usual, the flowers missed me a lot. Everything dried badly, little to no rain, leaves are yellowing, plants are setting seed and wanting to go dormant. Powdery mildew is going wild.

Too many days in the mid 90s and they say we might break into the triple digits this week. I give up.

Karen

At least you got some flowers. Mine are still only about 4" tall! I don't know what the heck is wrong with them??? After a few days reprieve, we are going to be back in the upper 80's and 90's this week, with the humidity as well. It's always about this time I look forward to Sept and fall.

Bev

My germination on most of my wintersown stuff was bad this year. Then it got blown away in a windstorm...

Karen

Karen

Carrie

Does someone have extra seeds of Yvonne? I want to try again. Please. :)

Thanks Karen for the update.

Neil