Friday’s seedlings – Aquilegia

, ,

Every year I sow a few Aquilegia species indoors to give them a bit of extra growth time. New species, some to repeat, there are always plenty of seeds to choose from. It is always good to go back to basics.

1. Aquilegia canadensis – short form: I need a new one; last year I put the spade through it by mistake.

2. Aquilegia fragrans: time to see how a fragrant Aquilegia actually smells (old seeds from a seedex).

3. Aquilegia chaplinei: young plants have been devoured last year by the columbine sawfly, twice! This is a lovely dwarf version of A. chrysantha, with delicate bluish-green foliage and yellow flowers with extremely long spurs. I love long spurred Aquilegias!

4. Aquilegia vitalii: from few remaining old seeds; I have a young plant outdoors but who knows after this harsh winter…..

There are also a few A. scopulorum seedlings; I never seem to have enough plants to be able to offer seeds and it’s a pity (Alien vs. Predators).
Last year I grew A. alpina again and A. olympica so there should be a lot of new blues this summer. Not that I can complain, Aquilegia nigricans does a fine job in this regard.

Note: keep your eyes open for the columbine sawfly (Pristiphora rufipes) in late spring.
Last year I had the unfortunate occasion to discover that the larvae, which look like green caterpillars, can consume the entire foliage of one plant in a blink of an eye!
They are hard to notice being green but not difficult to pick up by hand if noticed on time (spraying with insecticidal soap should also work if necessary).
Also, do not believe there is only one generation/year like they say; it depends on the climate.

Notes on Erythronium germination II

,

An update to the first notes on Erythronium germination from Feb. 9.

Erythronium grandiflorum seeds have started to germinate in moist storage (fridge) last week; they were kept moist through a warm, then cold cycle. I have another pot sown outdoors in late summer; a small sample of seeds was kept on purpose in the fridge to note the germination start.

Erythronium grandiflorum (Glacier lily) germination start (mid March, in the fridge)

And this is how the Erythronium americanum seedlings look right now (under indoor lights). Those who sowed the seeds outdoors should expect the seedlings in late March/April, depending on the weather (they will have a more natural look like in the featured image).

Erythronium americanum (Trout lily) seedlings March 2019 (germinated indoors reason why a bit elongated)

Spring must be coming! And, as usual, it will be fast and furious.
So, I will let you know now what will happen next with the Erythronium seedlings.
They will keep growing for a few months (water well, may use a diluted fertilizer). As some point, they’ll decide to go dormant. Don’t be scared, it is normal. When you notice the foliage starting to yellow, reduce the watering. Keep your pot in a shaded location (cover with a mesh to deter critters from digging, if this applies) and water only once in a while.

You can see in the plate how one year old tubers may look more or less, depending how well you grow them (mine were crowded in the pot).
I made this plate one year ago to show the similarity between the tubers and the seeds (size and shape wise). Interesting, isn’t it?

You can keep raising them in pots for a couple of more years and then plant them in the garden.
I personally plant them out after just one season in pot; nature can take its course after that. The only other Erythronium species I raised from fresh seeds, E. dens-canis, follows the same pattern.

There is so much more to learn about Erythronium and it’s easily done. Anyone can read and/or download Ian Young’s e-book: Erythroniums in Cultivation. Find it here: http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=15212.0

 

 

Notes on Erythronium germination I (from February 9, 2019)

Just a note for those who purchased Erythronium americanum seeds last year (that was a nice crop) – the seeds kept in moist storage at cold (fridge) are germinating! Luckily that I had to look for other moist packed seeds for an order.
Depending where you are, temperature wise, this may be happening in your pot right now! Exciting :)

Erythronium americanum germinating seeds Feb.9 2019

E. grandiflorum seeds are looking OK but no signs of germination yet, after all they were collected much later than E. americanum. I’ll keep you posted.
More sowing to do….

New update: Erythronium grandiflorum seeds germinated well, both in pots and also the seeds that were sown directly in the garden! Sowing Erythronium fresh seeds or seeds that have been kept moist packed it is the ‘secret’ for good germination. Growing the seedlings and having them reach a flowering stage, it is another story…
Most Erythronium species enjoy a moist location (at least for start of the season); trying to grow them in a dry location never gives good results.

Quick note on Calochortus leichtlinii germination

,

The first seeds of Calochortus leichtlinii (moist/cold stratified in the fridge) are emerging the radicles.
I noticed them since last week with a magnifying glass and they are big enough now for a picture. I don’t know if they really have to be kept at cold until the radicles start growing but best to be sure (about 10 weeks of cold/moist stratification).

Calochortus leichtlinii seeds starting to germinate after 2.5 months of cold/moist stratification

Calochortus tolmiei seedlings are already above ‘ground’! (vermiculite in this case).

Calochortus tolmiei seedlings

 

Mea culpa – Paeonia brownii germination

, ,

Before the FAQ on pre-ordering, mea culpa for providing wrong advice regarding Paeonia brownii germination.
Seeds arrived at a very busy time last fall (not that this should be an excuse), and after a quick search I wrongly assumed they require a warm cycle for root protruding followed by a cold one for shoot growing, like many other peony species.

I also followed this line of thought and kept my seeds in moist storage at room temperature starting mid-October. By January I felt something was not right and at the beginning of February I put the Ziploc bag containing the seeds in the fridge. One month later few of them already show cracked teguments!

Paeonia brownii seeds after 1 month of cold-moist stratification (fridge)

Good information IS available on the subject if one looks well enough and uses some critical thinking. I am sure that an AI would have come with the right advice in a split second.
Paeonia brownii seeds require 2-3 months of cold/moist stratification in order to germinate.

Those who received seeds last year please click to read the pdf below; better even, download it for your files. It contains a plant profile for Paeonia brownii with everything you need to know. It mentions that the young roots are sensitive, so as soon as I’ll notice the roots growing I will take one more picture, plant them in pots in a well-drained mix, and continue to provide the remaining cold period as such.

Paeonia brownii: distribution, ecology, propagation, cultivation

There is much talk about AI writing these days; I even answered recently a short questionnaire for someone working in AI development, looking to better understand the problems of products/content writing process encountered by on-line businesses.
No doubt, the time will come when they will do all the work for us: faster and competently.

Until then, I shall be excused for continuing to make humanly mistakes.
Who knows, maybe in the future this will remain a ‘signature’ of our writings.
They will inherently contain, somewhere, somehow, an error. 
A tiny mark of our beautifully flawed human nature.

FAQ – Moist packed seeds

,

Many NA native species, especially spring flowering, are included in the ‘moist packed seeds‘ category (see also Corydalis & allies category). By late spring this category is almost depleted of available seeds (with exception of Caulophyllum sometimes) because the seeds not sold out during the fall/early winter season, will start to germinate in moist storage. You will find these species listed in green in the SEED LIST.

FAQ
Why are moist packed seeds not available year round?

Because in the eventuality they are not sold out, they start to germinate in moist storage.
Even if large quantities were to be collected, shipping past due germination dates would not be possible.

When do they start to germinate?
Depending on the species, it can happen as early as November (Paris quadrifolia and Asarum canadense) and December (Claytonia) and then gradually till February-March (most other species). In many cases ‘germination’ refers to roots only, with a another cycle of cold or warm/cold required  for complete germination.

When is it best to purchase moist packed species?

As soon as they are announced available in the Shop (please subscribe to the blog) or at any time before they start to germinate or temperatures drop below zero (in the winter), at which point they cannot be shipped safely.
To be on the sure side, I would consider June (for the first species available) and  September/October/early November the ideal times; the seeds are active physiologically and shipping them during deep freezes in the winter can be detrimental.

Various species with limited seeds on offer (most often) sell out fast (Claytonia, Hepatica forms) and it is best to buy them as soon as they are announced in the shop, starting in late May/June, (depending  on the weather).

To facilitate a faster shipping (and easier sowing) the first such fresh seeds of the season are being shipped packed only in glassine envelopes. which are included in plastic bags (with no vermiculite). The method was tested and works very well for the month of June. Later in the summer/fall, the seeds will be shipped in moist vermiculite.
Hepatica seeds are sold in this manner ONLY for a short period after collecting, in June.

For those new to the “moist packing” subject, these postings may answer other questions:
Moist packing – what’s that?
We got the moist packed seeds – now what?

PreviousNext
12345

Seeds collecting in February?

,

Yes, it is possible especially if you don’t pay good attention in late fall.

Somehow I didn’t notice the first fruit produced by Calycanthus until last Saturday! It flowered beautifully last spring and then a few green fruits were aborted during late summer. I thought that was it and didn’t pay attention afterwards.
A nice surprise; I received the young plant three years ago from a friend and it was very satisfying for both of us to see it fruitful :)

Calycanthus floridus (Carolina allspice) is an excellent native shrub which can be grown in many situations from sun to shade; fast growing with beautiful shiny foliage, it is rarely affected by any pests. Did I forget to mention the sweetly fragrant, burgundy flowers?
The fruit is an interesting large, brown capsule, which can be mistaken with a fallen leaf/small branch, and holds few large seeds. They are very easy to germinate (read about nicking) and show up with convoluted cotyledon leaves (a rare case).


Speaking NA natives, I put together a short list of other species which flower around the same time in mid April-May, and are suitable for cold climates. They all grow in the same bed with the Calycanthus. If only I would have more space….
T. cuneatum, T. luteum, Uvularia grandiflora, Mitella diphylla, Asarum canadense, Hepatica acutiloba, Trautvetteria caroliniensis

Trillium cuneatum

Trillium luteum

Mitella diphylla1

Asarum canadense

Uvularia grandiflora

Notes on germination: Erythronium I

,

Notes on Erythronium germination I (February 9, 2019)

Just a note for those who purchased Erythronium americanum seeds last year (that was a nice crop) – the seeds kept in moist storage at cold (fridge) are germinating! Luckily that I had to look for other moist packed seeds for an order.
Depending where you are, temperature wise, this may be happening in your pot right now! Exciting :)

Erythronium americanum germinating seeds Feb.9 2019

E. grandiflorum seeds are looking OK but no signs of germination yet, after all they were collected much later than E. americanum. I’ll keep you posted.
More sowing to do….

Belated Fridays Seeds: Paeonia brownii

, ,

I forgot about the Fridays Seeds :o
In my defense, I was trying to finish the first batch of winter sowings, before other/new seeds arrive. Being end of the month I also had to check all the remaining moist packed seeds, kept at cold or warm.

A leisurely Saturday is a good occasion to show the seeds of Paeonia brownii.
I didn’t show them before because all seeds that arrived were presold and none of them made it to the online shop inventory. With more requests left unsatisfied I didn’t want to aggravate the situation.

Paeonia brownii is one of the only two North American peony species and it has different seeds than the ones we are more used seeing. I would call it the Cinderella of the peonies (seeds wise) because they are nothing but attractive, especially when dry: brownish and large with an irregular shape.

In the rush of the moment I even missed to take pictures of the dry seeds; the ones shown here are already in moist packing since late October (kept at warm).

Paeonia brownii seeds: kept in moist storage since late October. Moist seeds should not be left to dry out at any moment, hence only a quick picture with the seeds on moist towel ;)

Those interested can read more and see pictures of this intriguing peony species HERE.

Starting notes on Aconitum germination – 2018

,

Yesterday I sowed the first Aconitum seeds of the season! – a good occasion to also publish this post, drafted since late spring.

Aconitum is a large genus with many beautiful species, usually growing in mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere, popularly known as wolf’s banes or monkshoods. Many know that they are toxic/medicinal species, but more than that they are highly valued as garden plants.

Like many other species from fam. Ranunculaceae they can prove difficult to germinate from dry stored seeds. Most often it is not possible to moist pack the seeds right away; some collectors are not aware of the requirement or they are unwilling to do it because it is too tedious.

Experienced growers from all over the world will confirm the fact that dry kept seeds of various Aconitum species will generally germinate poorly/germinate in the second year after sowing, or in many cases will never germinate.

My intention is to compile a list for Aconitum species showing their germination pattern when using fresh, moist packed or dry seeds. Knowing which species retain good germination capacity even after their seeds are kept dry for a given amount of time would be very useful.

Generally speaking, we know for sure few facts about Aconitum seeds/germination:
– at the time of seed collecting the embryos are underdeveloped
– the germination can’t occur until the embryos reach a certain size, usually after a period of cold/moist stratification.
– GA3 treatment can promote embryo growth for some species, and thus can be useful in combination with the cold/moist period.

The list below was compiled from my own data and supplied by others on the Scottish Rock Garden Forum, where you can also find a thread open on this subject. Feel free to contribute.

 

And few pictures with various Aconitum species that germinated this spring (2018), in the second year after sowing (dry seeds, GA3 treatment), seedlings, new seeds and the new batch of Aconitum sowings!

Few Aconitum species  will be available late next week!

 

Friday’s Seeds – Callirhoe and the mericarps

, ,

I always strive to make sure the quality of seeds at BotanyCa is top notch. When a few seeds remain available for a given species, it becomes even more an important issue. Such was the case for Callirhoe digitata (Fam. Malvaceae) yesterday.

What we usually call seeds are actually mericarps, parts of a dry fruit called schizocarp; they contain 1 seed each. However, some mericarps can be empty or contain a malformed seed; not too many were left, so a closer look was necessary.

I would like to emphasize that for the purpose of sowing it’s not necessary to extract the seeds from the mericarps.
Reason I did this: to make sure how many good seeds are still available and, to take & show pictures with the actual seeds.

Callirhoe digitata (Fringed poppy mallow, standing wine cup) – mericarps and seeds

Another similar species, seeds wise, is Iliamna rivularis – Streambank wild hollyhock.
In this case each mericarp contains 2-3(4) seeds, shown below.

Iliamna rivularis seeds

Iliamna rivularis flowers

 

Gift cards

,

It is cold and, thanks to Canada Post union, slow going, so I use the occasion to announce the newly posted Gift Cards category – up and running on the shop.

In short: they can be used any time, sent to the purchaser or to the gift recipient or as a pdf file to be downloaded.
The only condition is that the whole value has to be redeemed in one purchase.

Click on the card to read the whole info

Stay tuned for the Friday’s seeds; we will play a ‘seeds game’ to keep us entertained.
The winner’s prize – a 25$ Gift card!

Maybe a consolation prize too; I’m not done yet with the logistics…

 

Friday’s Seeds – the Turtleheads

,

I am pleased to have seeds of two North American turtleheads this year: Chelone glabra and Chelone obliqua.

Both species grow best in moist locations in full sun to part shade and are valuable for their late flowering in August-September; bumblebees can’t have enough of their flowers.

The flowers shape reminds of a turtlehead, reason for their Latin and common name: Chelone = turtle in Greek. Tournefort described Chelone glabra as “Chelone Acadiense, flore albo” (Acadia being the name of Nova Scotia, Canada at the time, around 1700).

I remember reading somewhere that Rafinesque was indignant of the chosen name, arguing that the flowers are not reptiles :) He tried to change it to Chlonanthes but it didn’t work of course. Especially the flower buds do really look like a turtlehead!

But I diverge, here are the seeds. They are very similar, as expected; brown to light tan with a surrounding wing.

Chelone obliqua, Pink turtlehead (Fam. Plantaginaceae) capsule and seeds

and

Chelone glabra, White turtlehead seeds