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Most seeds will of course only germinate between certain temperatures. Too low and the seed takes up water but cannot germinate and therefore rots, too high and growth within the seed is prevented. Fortunately most seeds are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but it is wise to try to maintain a steady, not fluctuating temperature, at around the figure we have recommended in our guide. Once several of the seeds start to germinate the temperatures can be reduced by about 5'F and ventilation and light should be given. Some perennials and tree and shrub seeds can be very slow and erratic in germination. This may sometimes be due to seed dormancy, a condition which prevents the seed from germinating even when it is perfectly healthy and all conditions for germination are at optimum. The natural method is to sow the seeds out of doors somewhere where they will be sheltered from extremes of climate, predators, etc. and leave them until they emerge, which may be two or three seasons later. Dormancy, however, can be broken artificially and our section Nos. 12-16 deals with this.
1. Strelitzia and similarDo not chip or mark the seedcoat at all but merely remove the orange tuft and soak for up to 2 hours, or even overnight. Sow the seeds in moist sand, pressing them into the sand until only a small part of the black seed is visible and grow in a temperature of 75'F in the dark and ensure that the sand always remains moist. From 7 days onwards inspect the container once a week and as soon as any bulges, roots or shoots are seen remove the germinated seed and pot up in a compost of half peat and half sand. We find that Strelitzias often produce a root without a shoot and we have also found that the young shoots and roots are susceptible to fungal attack. Therefore as soon as possible pot up and provide light and fresh air. Germination can start within 7 days and carry on for 6 months or more. 2. Palms; Banana; Coffee; Mini-Orange; Tea; Cycads and similarAll these items can take several months to germinate and are very erratic in germination. Soak for at least 2 hours in warm water before sowing. (After soaking the parchment shell on the Coffee seeds should be removed with the fingernail). Sow in Levington or Arthur Bowers compost and place in the dark in a temperature of 75F, keeping the compost moist at all times, but not wet. Inspect regularly and occasionally dig around in the compost with a penknife. We normally sow our seeds just below the surface of the soilatid we have found that sometimes they make a very vigorous root without producing a shoot at all. If you find a seed with a root then it should be excavated and potted up into a 3-4' pot immediately when it will produce a shoot. Cycads prefer to be potted up into a compost of half sand and half peat. The Tea requires the above treatment but in a lower temperature of 60-65'F. 3. Clivia and similarSow these seeds immediately on receipt in Levington or a peat based compost, covering with a 112 " compost. Water and place in the dark in a temperature of 65-70'F. Germination should occur within 3 weeks. 4. Ferns (Garden and Indoor)The fern spore needs a fine film of moisture over which to swim in order to complete the process of reproduction, therefore a good peat compost, such as Levington, ought to be used pressed down very firmly and which is a lot more moist than one would normally have it in order to provide the moisture film. The spore (seed) should be sprinkled close together on the surface of the soil and not covered and the container should be covered with a piece of glass and placed in diffused light, but not darkness. It is essential to ensure that the compost remains moist at all times. Germination which commences with the appearance of a film of green jelly over the soil can take anything from 1 -5 months. You may wish to try germinating the fern spore on blotting paper which is placed in a saucer and kept moist at all times. A transparent cover is inverted over the saucer and the whole lot placed in a well lit but not sunny position. You can actually see the fern spores developing and when you can see small plantlettes appearing along the jelly the blotting paper should be lifted and placed on the surface of a container of Levington compost and watered well. It should then be covered with a transparent cover which can remain there until the plants are quite large. 5. Bromeliads; Cineraria;
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Many seeds, particularly in the house plant raric e, can be sown indoors at almost any season of the year. Others, for example bedding plants, have a much limited sowing season because the plants need to be at just the right stage when planted out. We therefore offer the following general guide to sowing times. Your actual tirme of sowing will depend a great deal upon the steady temperature you can maintain in your greenhousese/propagator, soil, local conditions etc.
HA Hardy Annual Late winter/early spring. HHA Half Hardy Annual Early/ late spring. Normally 4 8 weeks before planting outside. GBb Greenhouse Bulb GP Greenhouse Perennial Anytime of year. GSh Greenhouse Shrub GT Greenhouse Tree HP Hardy Perennial Late winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. HHP Half Hardy Perennial Late winter/spring. HBb Hardy Bulb Late winter/late spring and late summer/autumn HHBB Half Hardy Bulb Late winter/spring. HB Hardy Biennal Late spring/early summer. HHB Half Hardy Biennal Summer/autumn. HSh Hardy Shrub Winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. HHSh- Half Hardy Shrub Any time of year. HT Hardy Tree Winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. HHT Half Hardy Tree Any time of year.
Any plant which is to be planted outside (HA, HHA, HHP, HHSh.) should be well hardened off beforehand. This is best achieved by placing the plants outside in a cold frame for around a week before planting out. The frame can be left uncovered during mild weather but always replaced at night. Alternatively if no frame is available move the boxes outside to a sheltered spot during the day and bring indoors at night.
The "x" stands for slow and irregular germination.
Species Type Germ Days Germ temp Media Sow Depth Comments Abarema GP 7-56 70-75 Peaty 1/4" Scarify seed by rubbing between 2 pieces of emery paper. Abelmoschus HHA 15-30 75-80 Well drained 1/16" Soak 1 hour in lukewarm water before sowing. Abies HT 21-30 L X 68-75 Peaty S Soak overnight then pre-chill for 21 days. (No. 14). Abutilon HHSH 21-30 X 70-80 Peaty JC Acacia HHSH 21 70-80 Well drained 1/16" See No. 13. Soak in warm water for 4 hours. Acaena HP 30-100 X 50-60 Well drained 1/4" Acanthus HP 21-25 50-55 Peaty 1/4". Acer HT 30-365+ L X 65-70 Peaty S Soak for 2 days then No. 15. (2 months warm moist, 2 months frig) Achillea HP 30-100 L X 60-65 Well drained S Reduce soil temperature at night. Achimenes GP 21-30 65-75 Well drained S See No. 5. Seed is very small. Acnistus HHSH 21-42 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Aconitum HP 5-270 L X 55-60 Well drained 1/16" See Nos. 6 & 14. Place in a fridge for 6 weeks. Actaea HP 30-365 X 55-60 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6-8 weeks). Actinidia HP 60-90 X 50 Well drained 1/8" Male & Female flowers are bome on separate plants. Adansonia GSh 21-365 X 70-80 Peaty 1/16" Soak in hand hot water. See No. 13. Adenanthera GSh 30-90 70-75 Well drained JC See No. 13. Soak in hot water. Adenium GSh 7-14 L 65-70 Very Well draineJC Adenophora HP 30-90 X 50-55 Well drained S Adonis HA, HP 30-120 X 60-65 Well drained JC Aechmia GP 7-90 L X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Aethionema HP 30-90 X 60-65 Well drained JC Agapanthus HHP 30-90 60-65 Well drained JC Agastache HP 30-90 55 Well drained 1/16 " Agave GP 30-90 L X 55 Well drained S Ageratum HHA 10-14 L 70-75 Well drained S Agrostemma HA 14-21 55-65 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Ailanthus HT 30-90 L X 50-60 Well drained S Chip, soak then No. 14 for 2 weeks. Akebia HSh 30-180 L X 50-60 Peaty S See No. 14. (4 weeks). Albiza HSh/HT 30-90 X 65-75 Well drained 1/8" Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing. Alchemilla HP 21-30 60-70 Well drained 1/8" Allium HBb 30-365 L 50 Well drained JC See No. 14. Place in fridge for 4 weeks. Aloe GP 30-180 L 70 Well drained S Alonsoa HHA 14-21 60 Well drained 1/16" Cover seed with silver sand. Alpina GP 30-90 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Alstroemeria HP 30-365 X 65-70 Peaty 1/16" See No. 13. Soak in warm water. Sow singly in pcrts. Alyssum HA 7-14 L 55-75 Peaty S Annuals can be sown in situ. Amaranthus HHA 10-15 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Amaryllis HHBB 21-70 X 65-75 Peaty 1/16" DO not dry off in the first year after sowing. Ammi HHA 7-21 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Ammobium HHA 10-15 60 Well drained 1/16" Amorpha HSh 30-120 X 50-60 Well drained 1/16" Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing. Anacampseros GP 30-90 L X 65-70 Well drained S Anacyclus HP 30-60 L X 55-60 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks.) Anagallis HHA 30-42 50-65 Well drained 1/8" Anaphalis HP 30-60 55-65 Well drained JC Anchusa HA, HP 7-30 70 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in siyu Andromeda HSh 30-60 L X 50-60 Peaty S Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist. Androsace HP 30-365 X 50-55 Well drained S See No. 16. Anemone HP 28-180 X 65-70 Well drained JC See No. 6. Anemonopsis HP 30-18O L X 55-60 Well drained S Sow in lime free compost. Anigozanthus GP 30-90 L 60-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Anoda HHA 14-21 55-65 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in situ Antennaria HP 30-69 55-60 Well drained JC Just cover with silver sand. Anthemis HP 0-14 70 Well drained S Anthericum HP 30-90 50 Well drained 1/8" Anthriscus HP, HB 14-21 55-65 Well drained 1/4" Usually sown in situ Anthyllis HP 30-60 50 Well drained 1/8" See No. 13. Soak in warm water overnight. Antigonon GP 21-30 65-70 Well drained JC Antirrhinum HHA 10-21 L 65-75 Peaty S Aphyllanthes HP 21-56 X 55-60 Peaty JC Aquilegia HP 30-90 L X 65-75 Well drained S See No. 6 or 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Keep temperature below 70'F Arabis HP 20-25 L 70 Well drained S Can be sown in situ. Arachis GA 7-21 70-75 Peaty 1/4" Sow, then place inside a Polythene bag until germination. Araucaria HT 30-60 D 55-60 Peaty 1/4" Sow immediately Araujia HHSh 90-180 X 75-80 Well drained JC Arbutus HT 60-90 L X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 14. (6-8 weeks). Arctotis HHA 21-35 60-70 Well drained JC Ardisia GSh 90-180 75 Well drained 1/4" Arenaria HP 15-30 55-65 Well drained S Argemone HA 14 65-70 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Arisaema HP 30-180 L X 55-60 Well drained JC Aristea GP 30-90 X 55-60 Well drained JC Aristolochia GSh 30-90 X 75-85 Peaty S See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water). Armeria HP 14-21 60-70 Well drained JC See No. 13. (6-8 hours in hand hot water). Arnica HP 25-30 55 Well drained JC Likes an acid sandy soil. Artemisia HP 30-60 L 60-65 Well drained S Arum HP 30-l80 X 55-65 Peaty 1/8" Aruncus HP 30-90 55-65 Peaty S Arundinaria HSh 30-90 L X 70 Peaty JC Stand seed in a saucer of water to keep the soil always moist. Asarina HHP 14-21 L 65-70 Well drained S Asarum HP 7-30 60-65 Well drained 1/16" Sow as soon as possible. Asclepias GP, HP 30-90 X 50-75 Peaty 1/16" See No. 14. (Pre-chil for 3-4 weeks). Asparagus GP 21-30 60-70 Peaty 1/4" Soak then chip. See Nos. 12 and 13. Asperula HA 30-42 L 50 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ or No. 14. (Pre-chill 2 weeks). Asphodeline HP 30 X 70-75 Well drained JC Aster HHA 10-14 65-70 Well drained 1/16" Pre-chill perennial asters, see No. 14. (Pre-chill 2 weeks). Asterolasia HSh 30-180 X 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Astilbe HP 40-80 65 Peaty S See No. 5. Astrantia HP 30-180 L X 55-65 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Atriplex HA 9-21 50-55 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ Atropa HP 21-30 50 Well drained 1/16" Aubrieta HP 14-21 L 65-75 Well drained S See No. 5. Aucuba HSh 30-90 X 65-70 Well drained 1/8" Azalea HSh 50-90 L X 55-60 Peaty S See No. 5 or No. 6. Keep shaded from direct sun.
Baileya HHP 7-30 60-65 Well drained JC Balsamorrhiza HP 14-42 60-65 Well drained 1/16" Banksia HHSH 30-90 X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Baptisia HP 7-10 70-75 Well drained 1/4" Soak then chip. See Nos. 13 and 12. Basil HHA 7-10 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown situ Bauhinia GSh 21-42 75-85 Peaty 1/4" See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water). Beaufortia HHSH 14-60 L 55-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Beaumontia GSh 7-30 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Begonia HHP 15-60 L X 70-80 Peaty S See No. 5. Fibrous 70-75F, tuberous 65-70F. Belamcanda HP 14-60 X 60-86 Well drained See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7 days). Bellis HB 10-15 L 70 Peaty 1/16" Reduce soil temperature at night. Beloperone GP 30-180 L X 70-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Berberis HSh 60-180 L X 50-65 Well drained S See No. 14. (8 weeks). Bergenia HP 30-180 X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). Beriandiera HHP 30-90 L 60-70 Well drained S Beta HB 14-21 55-65 Well drained 1/4" Usually sown in situ. Betula HT 30-90 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No. 14. (10 weeks). Bignonia GP 30-90 X 60-70 Peaty S Billadiera HHP 30-60 55 Sandy peat JC Billbergia HHP 7-90 L 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Biscutella HHA 14-21 55-65 Well drained JC Can be sown in situ. Bixa GT 30-180 X 75-80 Peaty Blandfordia HHP 30-90+ X 60-70 Sandy peat JC Bletilla HHP 30-365 L X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Bmwa (Musa) GP 7-180 X 70-80 Peaty 1/2" See No. 2. Boea GP 20-60 L X 70-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Boronia GSh 30-60 L 65-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Brachycombe HHA 10-18 70 Well drained JC Brimeura HBb 30-60 X 60-65 Sandy peat JC Bromeliads GP 7-90 L X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Browallia GP 14-21 L 75 Peaty S See No. 5. Brunfelsia GP 30-90 X 70-80 Well drained JC Buddleia HSh 20-30 L 70-75 Peaty S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Bulbinella H/HHBB 30-90 X 55 Well drained JC Buoeurum HSh 14-60 55-60 Well drained JC Bupthalmum HP 14-30 L 70-75 Well drained S
Cabbage & Kale HB 14-21 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Can be sown in situ Cacti GP 5-180 L X 75-80 Peaty S See No. 9. Caesalonia HhSh 14-120 X 75-80 Well drained 1/4" See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water). Cainellia HSh 30-90 X 70-75 Peaty 1/4 See No. 13 . May also benefit from No. 14. Calanddnia HHA 5-14 55-60 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Calceolaria GB 14-21 L X 65-75 Peaty S Outdoor varieties keep temperature below 60'F. Calendula HA 10-14 D -70 Any 1/4" Can be sown in situ, or autumn for winter greenhouse flowers. Calibanus GP 30-120 L X 70-80 Peaty S Calliopsis HA 14 60-65 Weil drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Callirhoe HP 30-180+ L X 50 Well drained S Can be sown in situ or a cold frame. Callistemon HHSh 14-60 L 55-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Calluna HSh 30-60 L X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Calocedrus HT 30-90 L 50-60 Peaty JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Caltha HP 30-90 X 55-60 Peaty 1/16" Keep compost slighty moist. Camassia HBb 30-180 X 55-60 Well drained 1/16" Campanula HP, HB 14-28 L 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Campsis HHSh 30-90 X 70-75 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months). Canarina GP 30-180 X 65-75 Well drained JC Candytuft HA, HP 10+15 68-85 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in stiu. Perennials (60-65F) can be slow and irregular. Canna HHP 21-60 X 70-75 Peaty 1/4" See Nos 12 & 13, chip and soak for 48 hours. Capsicum GA 21-30 L 70-75 Peaty S Caragana HSh 14-21 L 65-70 Well drained S See No. 13. Cardiocrinum HBb 90-730 X 50 Peaty 1/16" See No. 6. Cardiospermum HHA 21-30 65-70 Well drained 1/2" Carica GSh 30-120 X 75 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. (Soak for 40 hours). Carlina HP 30-60 L 55-60 Well drained S Carpinus HT 30-365 L X 65-70 Well drained S See No. 15. (1 month at 79'F then 4 months in frig.) or No. 16. Carthamus HA 12-18 55-65 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in stiu Caryopteris HSh 30-90 X 65-70 Well drained JC Cassia GSh 7-90 70-75 Well drained 1/8" See No. 12. Casuarina GT 30-90 65 Well drained JC Catalpa HT 14-30 L X 60-70 Peaty S Give seedlings good ventilation to prevent damping off. Catananche HP 21 65-75 Well drained 1/16" Catharanthus GA/HHA 15-20 D 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Ceanothus HSh 30-60 L 65-70 Well drained S Soak overnight then treat as No. 14 for 2 weeks. Cedrus HT 14-60 L X 60-65 Well drained S Soak for 2-3 hours then treat as No. 14 for 3 weeks. Celosia GA 10-15 L 70-75 Well drained JC Do not sow too early - likes warm bouyant conditions. Centaurea HP, HA 7-14 D 60-70 Well drained 1/16" Centranthus HP 21-30 60-70 Well drained JC Can be sown in situ. Cepalaria HP 21-60 55-65 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in situ. Cephalilitrum HHA 14-21 65-75 Well drained JC Cephalotaxus HSh 14-60 X 60-65 Peaty JC Cerastium HP 5-10 60 Well drained 1/16" Ceratotheca HHA 8-14 70-75 Well drained- 1/8" Cercis HSh 30-90 L X 70-75 Well drained JC See No.13. Soak in hand hot water then No. 14 for 2-3 months. Cerinthe HHA- 7-14 60-65 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ Chaenomeles HSh 70-90 L X 55-65 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7-10 weeks). Chamaecyparis HT, HHT 30-60 L 50-60 Peaty JC See No 14. (Pre-chilll for 3 weeks). Cheiranthus HB 14-21 65-75 Well drained 1/8" Sow in a reserve bed, pick out 6" apart. Plant out in Oct. Chelidonium HP 30-365 X 55-65 Well drained 1/8" See No. 16. Chelone HP 14-42 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Needs good drainage. Chiastopholum HP 30-60 55 Well drained S Seeds very small. Chimonanthus HSh 63-90 L X 50-60 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5-8 weeks). Chionanthus HSh 30-180 L X 60-70 Well drained S See,No4. (Pre-chill for 1 month) Chionodoxa HBb 30-90 X 55 Well drained 1/4" Chlorogalum HBb 30-90 X 55-80 Well drained 1/8" See No. 6. Chrysanthemum HA, HP 10-18 60-70 Peaty 1/8" Annuals can be sown in situ. HP's reduce temperature at night. Cimicifuga HP 30-365 X 55-60 Well drained 1/16" Cineraria GP 14-21 L X 70 Well drained JC Cirrhopetalum GP 30-180 L X 65-70 Well drained S Cirsium HP 15-18 70-75 Well drained 1/8" Cissus GSh 30-180 X 70-75 Well drained JC Cistus HSh 7-30 L 65-70 Peaty S See No., 5. Citinus HSh 30-90 X 55-60 Peaty 1/16 Chip and soak for 12 hours. Pre-chill 6-9 weeks. Cladanthus HA 30-35 70-75 Well drained JC Clarkia HA 21 - Well drained 1/4" Best sown in situ, as sturdier plants are produced. Claytonia HA 14-21 65-70 Well drained 1/8" Clematis HP 30-270+ X 70-75 Well drained 1/8" See No's. 6 & 16. Cleome HHA 10+14 L 70-75 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). Clerodendron Hsh 60-90 L X 65-70 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-6 weeks). Clerodendrum GSh 21-60 X 70-75 Well drained 1/8" Clianthus GSh 14-42 65-70 Well drained 1/16" See No. 13. Clintonia HP 30-90 55-60 Sandy peat JC Keep compost always just moist. Clitoria GP 15-20 70-75 Well drained 1/16" See Nos. 12 and 13. (Chip and soak for 24 hours). Clivia GP 7-21 80-85 Peaty 1/4" Sow immediately. See No. 3. . Cobaea HHA 21-30 70-75 Well drained 1/16" Stick the seed vertically into the compost. Coccoloba GSh 10-21 65-70 Well drained 1/4" See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Codonopsis HP 7-42 L 60-70 Slighty acid S Coffea GSh 42-56 L 75 Peaty S See No. 2. (Soak tor 48 hours). Colchicum HBb 30-365 X 55-65 Peaty 1/8" See No. 16. Coleus HHP 10-20 L 65-75 Peaty S Indoors, likes to be warm with plenty of bright light. Collinsia HHA 14-21 - Well drained 1/4" Best sown in situ, thin out to 6'. Collomia HA 21 - Well drained 1/8" Best sown in situ, thin out to 6". Columnea GP 30-120 L X 72-75 Peaty S Colutea HSh 7-21 65-70 Well drained 1/16 Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. Commelina HHP 30-37 70 Wall drained 1/8" Conophytum GP 10-40 L X 75-00 Wall drained S Convallaria HP 60-365+ L X 50-60 Wall drained JC See No. 16. Convolvulus HA 5-14 70-80 Well drained 1/8" Chip (12) or soak (13) the seeds. Cordyline GP 30-90 75-80 Peaty 1/16" See No. 13. (Soak for 10 minutes in hand hot water). Cordyline HHSh 30-60 X 65-70 Peaty 1/16 Coreopsis HP 20-25 L 55-70 Wall drained S Annuals can be sown In situ Cornus HSh 90-730 L X 50-60 Well drained S See No.15. (2 months at 70F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. Coronilla HHSh 30-60 65-75 Well drained JC Correa HHSh 30-90 X 65-72 Wall drained JC Cortaderia HP 14-21 L 60-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Corydalis HP 30-60 L 50-60 Well drained S Cosmos HHA 5-10 68-86 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Cotoneaster HSh 180-365 L X 70 Acid Peaty S See No.15. (3-5 months at 70'F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. Cotula HHA 14-42 50 Well drained 1/16" Crambe HP 21-42 - Well drained 1/2" Best sown In situ. Craspedia HHA 14-30 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Can be sown in situ. Crataegus HSh 180-730 L X 50-60 Well drained S See No.15. (3-5 months at 70'F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. Crepis HA 5-14 70-80 Wed drained JC Crinodendron H/HHSh 30-120 X 55-65 Well drained JC See No.13. (Soak for 3 hours). Crocosmia HP 30-90 55-60 Well drained 1/16" Crocus HBb 30-180 X 55-65 Well drained 1/8" Crossandra GP 25-30 L X 75-80 Peaty S See No. 5. Crotalaria GSh 21-30 65-75 Well drained 1/16" See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours) Cryptomeria HT 30-60 X 55-65 Peaty 1/16 Cryptostegia GCI 30-90 X 65-75 Well drained 1/16" See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours) Cunonia GSh 30-60 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Cuphea HHP 8-10 L 70 Peaty S Cupressus HT 30-90 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No.14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Cyananthus HP 14-60 L 60-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Cycad GP 30-90 X 70-75 Well drained Half bury the seed lengthwise. Cyclamen GP 30-60 D X 55-60 Peaty 1/4" Keep moist and in total darkness. Cyclamen HP 30-18O D X 55-60 Peaty 1/4" See No. 6. Cynara HP 14-30 50-55 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown In situ. Cynoglossum HA 5-10 D 65-75 Peaty 1/4" Cyperus HHP 25-30 70-75 Peaty JC Keep the compost slighty moist. Cyphomandra GP 20-25 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Cyphostemma GP 30-60 X 70 Well drained 1/4" See' No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours). Cypripedium HP 30-365 L X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Very difficuft outside the laboratory. Cyrtanthus GP 30-90 X 55-65 Peaty S Keep the compost silghty moisty Cytisus HSh 25-30 L 70-75 Well drained S See No.13. Transplant to final quarters while still small.
Daboecia HSh 30-120 L X 55-65 Acid peat S Never allow compost to dry out. Dahlia HHA 5-20 65-70 Peaty 1/16" Do not let the compost dry out. Daphne HSh 150- 365 L X 50-60 Well drained S See No. 15.(2 months at 70F then 3 months in the frig) Darlingtonia HP 30-90 X 75-80 Peaty S Do not let the compost dry out. See also No. 5. Datura HHSH 21-42 55-65 Well drained 1/8" Davidia HT 300-365 X 50-65 Peaty 1/4 See No. 15.(3-4 months warin moist, 3- months frig.). Decaisnea HSh 30-180 X 55-60 Well drained 1/4 Delonix GT 30-90 X 75-85 Peaty 1/16" See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Delosperma HHP 10-40 L 75 Well drained S Delphinium HP 14-28 D X 50-55 Peaty 1/16" High temps. cause dormancy. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). Desmodium GA 30-90 75-80 Wall drained 1/16" Dianella H/HHP 30-90 65-70 Well drained 1/16" Dianthus HHA, HP 14-21 60-70 Well drained JC Diascia HHA 14-30 60 Well drained JC Diceritra HP 30-180 L X 55-60 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). Dichorisandra GP 7-60 70-75 Peaty JC Dictamnus HP 30-180 X 55-60 Well drained See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-8 weeks). Didymocarpus Gp 14-56 L X 65-70 Well drained S Dierama HP 30-180 L X 60-65 Well drained S See No. 5. Dietes HHP 30-90 X 50-60 Well drained JC Digitalis HP, HB 15-20 L 60-65 Peaty S Can be sown in situ. Dimorphotheca HHA 10-15 L 60-70 Peaty JC Dionaea GP 30-90 L X 75-80 Peaty S See No. 5. Dioon GP 30-90 X 70-75 1/2 peat, 1/2 sa1/4" See No. 2. Dioscorea HP 21-36 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Diplarrhena HP 30-90 55-65 Well drained JC Diplolaena GSh 30-150 L X 7 -8O Peaty JC Dipsacus HB 4-30 - Wall drained 1/4" Best sown in situ Disporum HP 30-180+ L X 55-65 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). Dizygotheca HHSh 20-30 L 70 Peaty S Dodecatheon HP 90-365 60-70 Well drained 1/16" See No. 6. Dolichos HHA 14-30 70 Well drained 1/16" See No. 13. Domnicum HP 15-20 L 70 Well drained S Reduce sod tempeature at night Doryanthes HHP 30-60 65 Peaty JC See No. 13. (Soak for 3 hours). Draba HP 30-90 X 55 Well drained JC See Nos. 6 and 14. Dracaena GSh 30-180 L X 75-85 Well drained S Keep the compost slightly moist Dracunculus HP 30-180 X 55-65 Peaty JC Keep the compost slightly moist Drosera GP 30-90 L 55-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Dryas HP 50-180 X 60-70 Well drained JC See No. 6. Duchesnia HP 30-90 L X 55-65 Well drained JC Duranta GSh 30-60 70-75 Peaty JC
Eccremocarpus HP 30-60 X -60 Well drained JC Cover the seed slightly with silver sand Echeveria HHP 21-90 L X 55-65 Well drained JC Echinacea HP 10-21 L 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Reduce soil temperature at night. Echinops HP 15-60 65-75 Peaty E 1/16" Echium HA 7-14 70 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in situ. Edraianthus HP 30-60 L 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Egg Plant GA 10-21 X 70 Peaty 1/8" Keep the compost slightly moist Elaeagnus HT/HSH 140-180 X 50-65 Well drained 1/16 See No. 15.(4 weeks warm moist, 8-12 weeks frig.). Emilia HHA 8-15 70 Well drained 1/16" Emnurus HP 30-365 L X 55-65 Well drained JC See No. 16. Enkianthus HSh 25-60 L X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 14.(Pre-chill for 6 weeks). Epilobium HP 14-30 50-60 Well drained 1/8" Episcia GP 25-40 L 70-80 Peaty S Seeds dust like. See also No. 5. Eranthis HBb 30-365 X 60-68 Well drained 1/16" See No. 6 and 14. Erica HSh 30-60 L X 65-70 Peaty S See No. 14.(Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Erica GP 30-120 L X 60-70 Acid Peat S See No. 5. Erigeron HP 15-20 Well drained S Erinus HP 20-25 Well drained S Eriobotrya HHSh 30-180 Well drained JC See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Eriophyllum HP 14-42 Well drained 1/8" Best sown outdoors and transplanted Eryngium HP 5-90 L X Well drained S See No. 6. Erysium HP 14-30 Well drained 1/4" Sow in situ. Erythrina HHSh 10-15 70-75 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Erythronium HBb 30-365 X 50-60 Well drained 1/8" See No. 6. Eschscholtzia HA 14-21 60-65 Well drained 1/4" Resents transplanting, best sown in situ. Eucalyptus HHSh, HT 14-90 X 70-75 Peaty S Sow seed and chaff together. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). Eucnide HHA 21-30 60-70 Well drained 1/8" Eucomis GBb 20-25 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Euonymus HSh 220-365 X 50-65 Well drained 1/16 See No. 15.(8-12 weeks warm moist, 8-16 weeks frig.). Eupatorium HP 30-90 X 55 Well drained JC Euphorbia HHA,HP,GSh10-15 X 70-80 Well drained 1/4" Pre chill HPs for 7 days and then soak for 2 hours.Sow in lime free compost (Ericaceous). Eustoma HHP 10-21 L 68-77 Well drained S Exacum GA 15-20 L 70-75 Peaty S Seed dust like. See No. 5.
Fagus HT 30-365 L X 50-60 Well drained JC Soak overnight then see No. 14 (pre-chill for 6 weeks) or No. 16. Fascicularia HHP 30-120 L X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Fatsia HHSH 15-20 70-75 Peaty 1/4" Keep the compost slightly moist. Faucaria GP 14-30 X 60 Well drained JC Just cover with sharp sand. Feijoa HHSH 21-42 55-60 Peaty 1/16" Rinse seeds 3 times before sowing. Felicia AmelloiHHP 30 55-60 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Place in fridge for 3 weeks). Felicia BergeriHHA 30 70 Well drained JC Ferns HP, GP 30-180 L 65 Peaty S See No. 4. Ficus GSh 15-90 L X 70-80 Peaty S See No. 5. Filipendula HP 30-90 55-60 Well drained JC Flower Lawn HP 30-180 L X 55-65 Well drained S See Nos. 6 or 16. Foeniculum HP 10-14 D 65 Well drained 1/8" Dislikes transplanting, sow in situ. Forsythia HSh 30-90 55-65 Well drained 1/4 Francoa HHP 14-30 L X 50-55 Peaty S See No. 6. Freesia HHBB 25-30 X 65-75 Peaty Y4' See No. 7. FremontodendronHHSh/HSh 30-60 65-70 Well drained JC Fritillaria HBb 330-540 X 55-M Peaty 1/16" See No. 6. Fuchsia HSh 21-90 L X 70-75 Peaty S See No.5. Soak in rainwater for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist. Fuchsia GP 21-90 L X 70-75 Peaty S See No. w. Soak in rain water for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist.
Gaillardia HP, HHA 15-20 L X 70-75 Peaty S Reduce soil temperature at night. Galega HP 14-60 - Well drained <" Best sown outdoors and transplanted. Galtonia HBb 15-20 X 70 Peaty 1/16" Gardenia GSh 25-30 70-75 Peaty 1/8" Use a lime free compost (Ericaceous). Gaultheria HSh 30-60 L 65-70 Peaty S See No.14. (Pre-chill for 4-10 weeks). Acid soils only. Gaura HHA 14-30 65-75 Well drained 1/16" Gazania HHA 8-21 D 60-65 Well drained 1/8" Genista HSh 14-30 55-65 Well drained JC See No.13. Gentiana HP 14-180 D X 70-75 Lime free JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months). Gentianopsis HA 21-30 L - Well drained S Sow outdoors and thin. Sensitive to root disturbance. Geranium HHP 3-21 X 70-75 Wd drained JC Geranium HP 30-90 X 50 Well drained JC See No. 6. Gerbera GP 15-25 L 70-75 Peaty JC Sow sharp end down, don't cover completly. Gesneria GP 14-21 L 70-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Geum HP 21-28+ X 65-70 Peaty 1/16" Reduce soil temperature at night. Gilia HA 17 - Well drained 1/8" Sow outdoors and thin out. Gingko HT 30-60 L X 70-75 Peaty 1/8 See No.14. (Pre-chill for 8-10 weeks). Glaucidium HP 30-90 X 50-55 Peaty JC Glaucium HA 14-21 D 60-65 Well drained JC Transplant carefully, best sown In situ. Gleditschia HT 14-30 65-70 Well drained JC Chip and soak for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13. Globularia HP 10-30 L 55 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chil for 3 weeks). Gloriosa HHBB 30 70-75 Peaty 1/16" Gloxinia GP 15-30 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Gnaphalium HP 14-21 L 60-70 Well drained s Godetia HA 7-14 60-65 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in situ Gomphrena HHA 6-8 L 70-75 Well drained JC Gourds HHA 15-29 80 Peaty 1/4" Can also treat as No. 5. Grass Tree HHP 30-180 L X 65 Peaty S See No. 4. Grasses HP, HHA 10-90 L X 60-75 Peaty S Grevillea HHSh 20-25 L 75-80 Well drained S See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Gunnera HP 14-60 X 70-80 Peaty 1/16" Guzmania GP 7-90 L X 60-70 Peaty S See No. 5. Gymnocladus HT 30-90 X 65-70 Well drained 1/4, Chip and soak in warm water for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13. Gypsophila KA, HP 10-15 X 70 Peaty JC
Hacquetia HP 30-180 X 55 Wall drained JC See No. 16. Haemanthus GBb 7-42 60-65 Peaty JC Hamamelis HSh 270-365 L X 50-60 Peaty 1/16 See No.15. (3 months at 70'F then place in frig. for 3 months). Haplopappus HP 21-30 60-70 Well drained 1/8" Hardenbergia HHP 30-90 X 55-65 Well drained 1/8" See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Harpephyllum GP 10-30 70-75 Peaty 1/4" See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Hawothia HHP 21-60 L 60-65 Well drained JC Hbibiscus HHP, GA 15-30 X 75-80 Peaty 1/16" Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 & 13. Hebe HHSh 15-30 70 Peaty JC Hedychium HHP 20-25 70-75 Peaty 1/16" See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours). Hedysarum HP 14-42 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Helanium HP 7-10 70 Peaty 1/16" Can be sown in situ. Reduce soil temperature at night. Helianthemum HP 15-20 70-75 Well drained S See No. 5. Helianthus HA 10-14 70-85 Peaty 1/4" Can be sown in situ. Helichrysum HHA 7-10 L 65-75 Well drained S Heliophila HHA 14-21 60-65 Well drained 1/16" Heliopsis HP 10-15 70 Well drained 1/16" Heliotropium HHP 14-42 X 65-75 Well drained 1/16" Helipterum HA 14-20 65-75 Peaty 1/16" Can be sown in situ Helleborous HP 30-545 X 60-65 Well drained See No. 6. May need to go through two winters outdoors. Hemerocallis HP 21-49 60-70 Well drained 1/8" See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). Hemiphora GP 30-120 X 70-75 Peaty JC Hepatica HP 30-360 L 50-55 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Heracleum HP 30-90 - Well drained 1/4" Sow in situ. See No. 6. Herniaria HP 10-12 70 Well drained JC Hesperis HB 20-25 L 70-85 Peaty S Can be sown in s&LL Reduce soil temw=e at night. Heuchera HP 10-60 L X 65-70 Well drained S Hibiscus HSh 30-60 X 70-75 Well drained 1/16 See No.13. Hieracium HP 21-30 50-60 Well drained JC Hippeastrum HHBB 30-42 75 Pemy 1/8" Hippophae HSh 30-180 L X 55-65 Well drained JC See No.14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks). Hollyhock HA, HP 10-12 L 60-70 Peaty S Can be sown in situ. Holmskioldia GSh 30-90 X 60-65 Wei drained JC Holodiscus HSh 30-180 X 60-65 Well drained S Hosta HP 30-90 X 50 Peaty 1/16" Keep compost slighty moist. Humulus HP 25-30 70-75 Well drained 1/4" Can be sown in situ. Hunnemannia HHA 15-20 70-75 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ. Makes a nice pot plant. Hutchutinsia HP 14-30 - Well drained 1/4" Sow in situ. Hyoscymus HB, HA 14-42 - Wed drained 1/8" Sow in situ. Hypericum HSh 30-90 X 50-55 Well drained JC Hypoestes GP 10-21 70-75 Well drained JC Hyssopus HP 14-42 60-70 Peaty 1/16"
Iliamna HP 30-360 L X 55-65 Well drained 1/16" See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Impatiens HHA 21-30 L X 70-75 Peaty S See No. 5. Maintain a very high humidity until germination. Incarvillea HP 25-30 55-65 Well drained S See No. 5. Indigafera HSh 30-60 65-70 Well drained 1/16 Pour nearly boiling water over seed and leave to soak overnight. Indigofera HHSh 30-90 X 50 Wall drained ye, See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). Inula HP 14-42 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ Ionopsidium HA 14-21 55-60 Well drained 1/16" Sow in situ. Ipomaea HHA 5-21 X 70-85 Peaty 1/4" Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. Iris HP 30-545 X 60-70 Peaty 1/4". See No. 6. May take two winters outdoors. Isatis HB 14-42 50 Well drained 1/16" Sow in situ. Ixiolirion HBb 30-90 X 50 Well drained 1/16" Ixora GSh 30-120 X 70-75 Well drained 1/16" See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Jacaranda GSh 10-15 70-85 Peaty JC Jacobaea HA 8-21 60-65 Well drained 1/8" Jacobinia GP 30-180 X 75-80 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. soak for 24 hours). Jasione HP 10-21 70 Well drained JC Jasminum HSh 20-30 70-75 Well drained JC Jatropha GP 30-120 X 65-75 Well drained 1/16" Jovellana H/HHSH 30-90 X 60-50 Well drained S Juglans HT 30-180 L X 50-60 Peaty JC See No.14. (2-3 weeks). Place so that dividing line is at the top. Juniperus HT 30-180 L X 45-50 Peaty S Soak for 24 hours. High temperatures prevent germination.
Kalanchoe GP 7-30 L X 65-75 Weil drained S Likes good air circulation. Kallstroemia HHA 14-21 X 60-65 Well drained JC Kalmia HSh 30-60 L X 70- Sandy peat S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). Kalmiopsis HSh 30-60 L 65-70 Acid, sandy peatS Kaulfussia HA 21-30 - Well drained 1/4"' Sow in situ. Thin to 6'. Kentranthus HP 21-40 65- 70 Well drained JC Kirengeshoma HP 30-300 55-65 Peaty JC Keep compost uniformly moist. Knautia HP 10-21 Well drained 1/4" Best sown in situ Thin to 6'. Kniphofia HP 10-30 70-75 Peaty 1/4" Reduce soil temperature at night Kochia HHA 10-15 L 70-75 Well drained S Koelreuteria HT 30-60 L X 55-65 Peaty JC See No. 13. (Use boiling water) then No. 14 (place in frig. for 3 weeks). Kolwitzia HT 40-70 L X 65-70 Well drained JC Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Labumum HT 30-60 65-70 Well drained 1/16 Chip and soak. See NOS. 12 and 13. Lagerstroemia HHSh 15-20 L 70 Well drained S See No. 5. Lagunaria GT 30-180 X 68-70 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours). Lamium HP 30-60 65-70 Well drained JC Lampranthus HHP 15-30 D 65-75 Well drained JC Lantana HHP 42-60 X 70-75 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. (Soak 1 day in hand hot water). Lapageria HHP 30-90 X 70-75 Peaty 1/8" See No. 13. Soak for 3 days changing water 3/5 times per day Lapeirousia HBb 30-90 X 55-60 Well drained 1/8" Larix HT 30-90 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No. 14. pre-chill for 1 Months. Larkspur HA 14-21 D 50-55 Peaty 1/16" See No. 14. Lasthenia HA 17-21 - Well drained 1/8" Best sown in situ Thin to 4". Lathyrus HP 20-30 X 55-65 Peaty 1/4"' Soak or chip the seeds. See Nos. 12 or 13. Latris HP 20-25 55-75 Well drained JC Reduce soil temperature at night. Launus HT 40-90 L X 50-60 Peaty JC Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill 1 month) Lavatera HA, HB, HP15-20 70 Peaty 1/16" Lavender HSh 21-90 X 55-65 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-6 weeks). Lawrencellida HHA 21-30 L 65-75 Well drained S Layia HA 8-30 70-75 Well drained 1/8" Ledum HSh 30-60 L X 55-65 Acid peat S Leea GP 30-90 X 75-80 Well drained 1/8" See No. 13. Leontopodium HP 10-42 L X 50 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Leptosiphon HA 17-21 55-65 Well drained 1/16" Best sown in situ. Leptospermum HHSh 30-180 X 60 Peaty 1/16" Leptosyne HA 6-12 L 60-65 Peaty 1/8" Leschenaultia GSh 30-120 X 60-70 Well drained JC Lewisia HP 365+ L X 50 Well drained S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5 weeks). Leycesteria HSh 30-60 60-65 Sandy peat JC Libertia HP 30-180 X 50 Well drained 1/8" See No. 6. Ligularia HP 14-42 X 55-65 Peaty S Keep compost slighty moist. Lilies HBb 30-365 X 65-75 Peaty JC See No. 10 for more details. Limnanthes HA 14-21 60 Well drained 1/16" Can be sown in situ Limonium HP, HHA 10-20 D 65-70 Well drained JC Suworowii needs total darkness to germinate Linanthus HA 17-21 - Well drained 1/8" Saw outdoors and thin out. Linaria HP 10-15 55-60 Well drained JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Linurn HP 20-25 65 Well drained 1/8" Best sown in situ. Liquidambar HT 14-365 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). Don't let the seeds dry out. Liriodendron HT 60-365 L X 65-75 Peaty S See No. 16. Lisianthus HHP 10-21 L 68-77 Well drained S Lithops GP 10-40 L X 75-80 Well drained S Lobelia HHA,HHP 15-20 L X 65-75 Well drained S Place seed of a in fridge for 3 months (See No. 14). Loiseleuria HSh 30-60 65-75 Well drained JC Lomatia HHSh 30-180 X 60-65 Well drained 1/8" Lonas HA 5-7 D 70 Well drained JC Can be sown in sity Lonicera HSh 180+ L X 60-70 Well drained JC See No. 14. Place in frig. for 3 months. Keep temp. below 75'F. Lotus HHP 14-30 X 55-65 Well drained JC Transplant into 3" pots. Luculia HHSH 30-60 X 55-60 Well drained JC Lunaria HB 10-14 70 Well drained 1/8" Can be sown in situ Lupin HP 15-60 D X 55-65 Well drained 1/8" Soak or chip the seeds. See Nos. 12 or 13. Lychnis HP 21-30 L 70 Well drained S See No. 2. (pre-chill for 2 weeks). Lysichitum HP 30-60 X 55-65 Peaty 1/4" Keep compost saturated by standing in water. Lysimachia HP 30-90 X 55-65 Peaty S Keep compost moist. Lythrum HP 15-30 65-70 Peaty JC
Macropidia GP 30-90 L 60-65 Peaty S See No. 5. Magnolia HT 120+ L X 50 Well drained JC See No. 14. Place in frig. for 4 months. Mahonia HSh 90-120 L X 50 Peaty JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Makus HT 120-365 L X 50 Peaty JC Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks). Malope HA 14-30 65-75 Peaty JC See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Malva HP 5-21 70 Peaty 1/16" Mandeville HHSh 14-30 65-75 Well drained JC Sow in 1/2 sand and 1/2 peat. Mandragora HP 50-60 55-60 Peaty 1/8" Marigold HHA 5-14 70-75 Peaty JC Matricaria HP 5-21 L 65-75 Well drained S Reduce soil temperature at night. Maurandia HHP 14-21 65-70 Well dr