Spring beauties #2

Springtime is undeniable ‘ten thousand flowers season’ in our region. For many, it is also a seedlings bonanza period! That is, for those who went to trouble of sowing something…

The seedlings started indoors (in late February-March) are all grown up and need to be acclimatized outdoors. This has to be done gradually by keeping them outside when weather allows, as long as possible, including during the night.
During the cold spells with low night temperatures (for example, this weekend), which are frequent especially in April, the seedlings need to be taken back indoors. It is a bit of work, but worth doing it.

*For those owning a cold frame, the process is much easier, place them inside and close the lid; add one more layer of insulation when the night temperature drops below zero.

The seeds that were sown in late fall/winter outdoors (those in need of a cold/moist stratification) are usually starting to germinate in April-May; some sooner, some later. Be patient, not all species germinate at once, they all have different needs.

The seedlings germinated outdoors are usually hardy and normally do not need extra protection during the cold spells. However, unusually high temperatures of 20+C for a few days (like we already had a few times in April), will make them grow faster and less sturdy. Fleshy tissue is always prone to frost damage.

To be on the safe side, I also took inside the outdoors germinated seedlings when we had a -5C night temperature. The indoor lights can get a double function or, if not enough space under lights keeping them in any cool place inside it is better than outside.

Just like the plants themselves, by being adaptable, we can succeed in growing nice, beautiful seedlings and new plants without much fuss and money.

Addendum for Diphylleia cymosa germination.

The germination is complete now. We easily notice that the cotyledon leaves are very similar to those of a Podophyllum and also Glaucidium.

Considering that Diphylleia is a rhizome forming species and also belongs to the Berberidacaea family, it is very likely that during its first season the growth will concentrate on the root system and the upper part will remain at the cotyledon leaves stage (as described for Podophyllum and also Glaucidium palmatum).