6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
Oh, I'm sorry. It is the American Bittersweet or false bittersweet, the one that's endangered. They say that the invasive oriental one is much easier to propagate by seed, but where I've looked they make no mention of how to plant the seed of the American Bittersweet, so I am looking to you guys and gals for some help.
Thank you!
when the berries are red the seed is fully mature. In a water bath remove the pulp & rince the seed then continue as before
In a comercial opperation it is not "worth it" BUT for you to have 1-2 plants/baskets/clumps then go ahead. It is also a good learning experience for cildren/ grand children/ neighbor child
Factors controling the rate and quality of growth. 1) soil including quanity, quality, drainage, fertility & moisture content 2) light including quality & quanity & duration
Only you can evaluate your situation & determine where you can inprove the rate of growth.
Lois,
You may have tired of the work involved and just want to be done with it. That's nice of you to offer it to another.
But I second Belleville's thoughts. WS works with some but not all in our 'tween zones. I suggest you try spring sowing vs winter sowing with the same seed packet and see which works better.
Karen
ha, I was thinking that since it is ligularia group it would be warm germination plant,also same as ligularia seedheads will produce lots of fluff/ infertile seeds and only few fat ones- fertile. I am positive I have seen seed being offered on NARGS seed exchange. Of course, those fancy farfugiums that are being offered will have to be divided but the basic one should produce at least few viable seeds.
The problem with holly in general (Ilex) from seed is it is very slow. Most types do best with warm moist, followed by cold moist, brought back to warm again cycles - if sowing outdoors Fall may be better. Even then, germination can take 2-3 years. Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late Summer or early Fall faster.
Check you soil temperature with a cheap thermometer from the grocery store. I think they are called candy thermometers (Some meat thermometers don't register low enough temperatures), have a metal probe that can be stuck into the soil and a dial on top to read temperatures.
I too have noticed that newer furnaces put out lower temperature air. Also the top of newer refrigerators are not as warm as the old ones were. I start my seed on a shelf in the laundry room above the washer/dryer. It is not consistently warmer but then neither is nature consistent. I wonder if sometimes the variation in temperature could be healpful.
When you graft onto a seedling the seedling is juvenile but the scion is from a mature tree and has the maturity needed to produce flowering/fruiting buds. The number of years a tree remains juvenile depends both on the species and how well it is grown. A tree grown without root competition or compaction problems will fruit earlier. Many university tests have been made as well as those from fruit grower societies. Al
Pinus parviflora , Japanese White Pine , sow 3 months moist cold @ 39F, move to 70F for germination.
Pinus thunbergii, Japanese Black Pine, sow 2-3 months moist cold, move to 70F for germination. Very fresh seeds may germinate quickly.
Acer buergerianum , Trident Maple , sow moist cold @ 39F for germination in 6 to 8 weeks - watch these, they may germinate at cool temperatures before you remember to bring them out to warm
Taxodium distichum, Bald Cypress, pour very hot water over seeds (just short of boiling) to help remove resin coating prohibiting water from breaching the seed. Moist cold 39F 60 days, then bring to warm.
All of these could be sown and placed outdoors now in your zone and exposed to a range of temperatures for Spring germination.
Be sure to check out the Tree Forum here too. They have a bunch of great FAQ's and discussion tips there about growing many different varieties from seed.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: Tree Forum - Growing from Seed
Nerium oleander - Seed, light (do not cover seed), outdoors in Spring or sow indoors 70-75F for germination in 30-90 days.
Is this winter hardy for you there, I understand it takes light frost occasionally but would need protection in my Z8