March & August

March marks the arrival of spring in many regions of the world. Here, the arrival of more snow…True that there are few snowdrops in flower – partially under the snow!
However, no matter how much snow is falling, the daylight is getting longer, new seeds are germinating, and the seedling are growing :)

Not so long ago, I gave an update on Jurinea germination; right now the seedlings are already pricked out. Same goes for Polygala major and Ipomopsis rubra. Various others will follow shortly.

The last experiment with older Glaucidium seeds have gone extremely well and now I am looking at 10 pots with seedlings! I didn’t have the heart to throw away the germinated seeds. I am sure ‘adoptive parents’ will be found.

I never want to hear again about Glaucidium seeds being hard to germinate…

Note: Some of the seedlings will remain at the cotyledon stage during the first year, and some will put up true leaves. They are best NOT to be pricked out; keep them growing well as long as possible because during this time they mostly ‘work’ on growing their roots. At some point the cotyledon leaves will vanish (the seedlings are not dead!). After a short ‘pause’, some will grow true leaves, some may wait until late in the season or next year.

 

Remembering the last year garden –

Last time we started to remember August 2022, with Eupatorium & the solitary wasps. Other species to note from August, this time on the disappointing side, Sanguisorba canadensis, Canadian Burnet, which had an outstanding flowering, but alas, no seeds were formed. But do not despair, from a stash of older seeds, a few have germinated and I will try to add another plant with a different genotype to the mix. I don’t understand why this lovely, native species (in Eastern Canada) is not cultivated more, and/or seeds collected.

From the featured top picture, we have the positive side with the hybrid Gentiana paradoxa x septemfida smiling. There were even a few seeds (for friends), hopefully more will be available this fall. Most likely there is cross pollination with a true Gentiana paradoxa which is growing nearby, but even so, for the better. It is a great Gentiana to have for late summer flowering. The hybrids are very vigorous and take well our hot & humid summers.

For those feeling blue – don’t forget this is a great time to start indoor various easy to germinate species. Time will fly taking care of the seedlings and when spring arrives they will be large enough for outdoor acclimation. Plus, you won’t start roaming the garden centers with a hungry heart  ;)