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A seed is an embryo plant and contains virtually all the materials and energy to start off a new plant. To get the most from one’s seeds it is needful to understand a little about their needs so that just the right conditions can be given for successful growth.
One of the most usual causes of failures with seed is sowing too deeply; a seed has only enough food within itself for a limited period of growth and a tiny seed sown too deeply soon expends that energy and dies before it can reach the surface. Our seed guide, therefore, states the optimum depth at which each type of seed should be sown. Another common cause is watering. Seeds need a supply of moisture and air in the soil around them. Keeping the soil too wet drives out the air and the seed quickly rots, whereas insufficient water causes the tender seedling to dry out and die. We can thoroughly recommend the Polythene bag method (No. 11) which helps to overcome this problem. Watering of containers of very small seeds should always be done from below, allowing the water to creep up until the surface glistens.
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 degrees 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 that 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 maybe two or three seasons later. Dormancy, however, can be broken artificially and our section Nos. 12-16 deals with this.
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HINTS ON SEED RAISING
1. Strelitzia and similar
Do not chip or mark the seed coat 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 degrees 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 similar
All 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 75 degrees F, 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 soil and we have found that sometimes they make a very vigorous root without producing a shoot at all. If you find a seed with 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 at a lower temperature of 60-65 degrees F.
3. Clivia and similar
Sow these seeds immediately on receipt in Levington or a peat-based compost, covering with a 1/2 ” 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 plantlets 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; Calceolaria; Insect Eaters (Drosera, Nepenthes, Sarracenias); Living Stones; Meconopsis; Rubber Plants; Saintpaulia; Streptocarpus; Tibouchina; Xmas Cactus; Begonia and similar
These seeds should be sown on the surface of the compost and not covered. The compost should be quite moist and we would recommend that you cover the seed container with a piece of glass or clear plastic and leave in a temperature of approximately 65 degrees F in a position which receives diffused light. Once some of the seeds have germinated air should be admitted gradually otherwise the seedlings may damp off.
Alternatively, the seeds can be sown on to moist blotting paper or kitchen towel placed in a saucer. Cover with a transparent cover and place on a windowsill which receives plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Keep the blotting paper wet at all times and when the tiny seedlings are large enough to handle prick out into small pots. If the INSECT EATERS are sown using the first method described the compost requires to be both moist yet free draining. Use only pure peat with no fertilizers added to which sphagnum moss should be added if available.
6. Alstroemeria; Bonsai; Clematis; Hardy Cyclamen; Eucalyptus; Flower Lawn; Helleborus; Hosta; Primula; Iris and similar.
Sowing OCTOBER-FEBRUARY. Sow the seeds in John Innes seed compost, covering them with a thin layer of compost. After watering place the seed container outside against a North wall or in a cold frame, making sure they are protected against mice, and leave them there until the spring. The compost should be kept moist but not wet at all times, and if the seed containers are out in the open then some shelter has to be given against excessive rain. In the spring bring the seed containers into the greenhouse, or indoors on to a well lit but not sunny windowsill and keep the compost moist. This should trigger off germination. If the seeds do not germinate in the spring keep them in cool moist conditions throughout the summer. As each seed germinates we would recommend that you transplant it almost immediately into its own pot.
Sowing MARCH-SEPTEMBER. Sow in John Innes seed compost, or something similar, and place each container in a polythene bag and put into the refrigerator (not the freezer compartment) for 2-3 weeks. After this time place the containers outside in a cold frame or plunge them up to the rims in a shady part of the garden border and cover with glass or clear plastic. Some of the seeds may germinate during the spring and summer and these should be transplanted when large enough to handle. The remainder of the seeds may lay dormant until next spring.
Germination of some items, particularly Alstroemeria, Clematis, Hardy Cyclamen and Christmas Rose (Helleborus) may take 18 months or more.
An alternative method for growing PRIMULAS is to sow in a peat based compost which has already been moistened and do not cover the seed. Cover the container with a piece of glass or plastic and grow in the dark in a steady temperature of 60F. This is quite adequate and over 65’F germination will be inhibited. When the seeds start to germinate sprinkle a thin layer of fine compost over them and when the seed leaves come through this, move the box to a well-lit place with a temperature of 55’F. At no time should the seed box be in full sun.
Hardy Cyclamen have been found to germinate best in total darkness at around 55-60’F. We have had good results with the following method. Place the seeds between two pieces of damp filter paper, Kleenex tissue, etc., then put into a polythene bag and place this into an opaque container in order to exclude all light. Inspect the seeds after a month and remove and prick out as the seedlings appear, returning the ungerminated seeds to total darkness.
7. Freesia
Soak the seeds for 24 hours and sow in Levington compost, or something similar, and place in a temperature of 50-60’F. Germination can sometimes be slow.
8. Nertera Granadensis (Bead Plant)
We recently found that this subject requires a well-drained compost which is completely free from fertilizer (e.g. moss peat and sand in equal parts). Sow by barely covering the seed and place a sheet of glass over the container, and leave in a temperature of 65-75’F. Turn the glass daily as excessive condensation can kill the young seedlings. On germination, the seedlings look very thin and spindly and the glass should be removed almost immediately and the seed container moved to a well lit but not sunny position. Prick out as soon as possible into a compost of 50% pure peat and 50% sand. Keep moist and shaded until established.
9. Cactus and similar
Make very shallow furrows in compost with a plant label and sow in these. No seed should be completely buried. Water from beneath and cover with glass and brown paper or black Polythene. Place in a dark position in a temperature of 70-75F and keep moist. On germinating move to a light but not sunny windowsill, give plenty of ventilation and water from beneath. Pot up when they begin to overcrowd. During the first winter only keep warm and do not allow to get too dry. If it is not possible to grow warm then keep them drier. Subsequent years keep relatively dry through the winter. Can be planted outside, plunged to the rim, all summer if required.
10. Lilies
Successful germination of seeds of some lilies requires a period of warmth followed by one of cold.
Method 1. Put seeds in a screw-top jar in moist (not wet) peat and keep at 70-75F for 3-4 months. Inspect regularly, any normal seedlings (that is having root and seedling leaves) should be pricked out as they germinate. Any seeds which produce roots but not seedling leaves, sow in a pan and keep at 32-40’F for 3 months. Seed leaves and normal growth will follow.
Method 2. Sow in a pan in summer (warm spell); put in a frame (or outside covered by a piece of glass) for the winter. Seeds will germinate in spring. Soil Humus rich (peat or leafmould) lime free and very free drainage (use 1/3 grit). Never overwater, keep bulbs almost dry from November to March.
11. For more delicate seeds
A method which has proved useful for not only small delicate seeds but for a wide range of types is the Polythene bag method.
The seeds should be sown on the surface of the moist compost, covered to their recommended depth if necessary and the container is then placed inside a Polythene bag after which the end is sealed with an elastic band. The bag should ‘fog-up’ with condensation within 24 hours and if this does not occur place the container almost up to its rim in moisture until the soil surface glistens, then replace in the bag and reseal. The bag is not removed and normally no more watering is required until the seeds germinate. However, it is wise, if left for a long period to check the compost occasionally.
The seed container, bag etc. should be placed in a well-lit place with a steady temperature. As soon as a fair number of the seedlings emerge to remove the polythene bag, lower the temperature a few degrees and provide plenty of light, but not bright sunshine, to ensure that sturdy seedlings develop. It is also helpful to spray the seedlings occasionally for the first 14 days.
SPECIAL TREATMENT
12. Hard Seeds-Chipping
Some seeds, e.g. Sweet peas, lpomaea etc., have hard seed coats which prevent moisture being absorbed by the seed. All that is needed is for the outer surface to be scratched or abraided to allow water to pass through. This can be achieved by chipping the seed with a sharp knife at a part furthest away from the ‘eye’, by rubbing lightly with sandpaper or with very small seed pricking carefully once with a needle etc.
Some of our geranium seeds have already been treated in this way when you receive them.
13. Hard Seeds-Soaking
Soaking is beneficial in two ways; it can soften a hard seed coat and also leach out any chemical inhibitors in the seed which may prevent germination. 24 hours in water which starts off hand hot is usually sufficient. If soaking for longer the water should be changed daily. Seeds of some species (e.g. Cytisus, Caragana, Clianthus) swell up when they are soaked. If some seeds of a batch do swell within 24 hours they should be planted immediately and the remainder pricked gently with a pin and returned to soak. As each seed swells it should be removed and sown before it has time to dry out.
14. Stratification (cold treatment)
Some seeds need a period of moisture and cold after harvest before they will germinate-usually this is necessary to either allow the embryo to mature or to break dormancy. This period can be artificially stimulated by placing the moistened seed in a refrigerator for a certain period of time (usually 3- 5 weeks at around 41 F). With tiny seeds, it is best to sow them on moistened compost, seal the container in a Polythene bag and leave everything in the refrigerator for the recommended period. However, larger seeds can be mixed with 2-3 times their volume of damp peat, placed directly into a Polythene bag which is sealed and placed in the refrigerator. Look at seeds from time to time. The seeds must be moist whilst being pre-chilled, but it doesn’t usually benefit them to be actually in water or at temperatures below freezing.
Light also seems to be beneficial after prechilling and so pre-chilled seeds should have only the lightest covering of compost over them if any is required, and the seed trays etc. should be in the light and not covered with brown paper etc.
Information on Seed Stratification
15. Double Dormancy
Some seeds have a combination of dormancy’s and each one has to be broken in turn and in the right sequence before germination can take place; for example, some Lilies, Tree paeonies, Taxus need a three month warm period (68-86’F) during which the root develops and then a three month chilling to break dormancy of the shoots, before the seedling actually emerges. Trillium needs a three-month chill followed by three months of warmth and then a further three-month chill before it will germinate.
16. Outdoor treatment
The above-mentioned methods (12-15) accelerate the germination process and help to prevent seeds being lost due to external hazards (mice, disease, etc.) but outdoor sowing is just as effective albeit longer. The seeds are best sown in containers of free draining compost and placed in a cold frame or plunged up to their rim outdoors in a shaded part of the garden, preferably on the north side of the house avoiding cold drying winds and strong sun.
Recent tests show that much of the beneficial effects of pre-chilling are lost if the seed is not exposed to light immediately afterward. We, therefore, recommend sowing the seeds very close to the surface of the soil and covering the container with a sheet of glass. An alternative method especially with larger seeds is to sow the seed in a well-prepared ground, cover with a jam jar and press this down well into the soil so that the seeds are enclosed and safe from predators, drying out etc.
We would also recommend you consult No. 6 which contains further practical suggestions regarding the special treatment of seeds.
Germination days.
The usual time period in which a particular variety will germinate given optimum conditions.
Light/Dark
Seeds needing light should have no newspaper, brown paper etc. placed over the trays. Seeds needing dark for germination should be placed in total darkness.
Slow and irregular germination
This is the column with the “X”. Not all seeds will show at once
-prick out each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle and don’t discard the container until well over the time suggested.
Temperature
A steady temperature between these limits is recommended-fluctuating temperatures can damage a seedling in its critical early stages.
Compost
Most reputable seed composts will be quite adequate and we have indicated where a loam-based type such as John Innes or a peat-based type such as Levington would be slightly more suitable. On no account should potting composts, which have additional fertilizers, be used.
Sowing Depth
If in doubt sow shallowly, but always ensure that the compost surface is damp.
J.C. =Just cover the seed with compost or sharp sand. S=Sow on the surface and do not cover at all with compost.
Sowing in situ
Where recommended under the heading of comments, these seeds can be sown out of doors. Moist soil worked down to a fine tilth is essential. For hardy annuals and perennials, sowing can be carried out from late winter onwards as soon as the ground is workable and has warmed up and half-hardy annuals after all danger of frost is passed.
SUGGESTED SOWING TIMES
Many seeds, particularly in the house plant range, 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 guidelines to sowing times. Your actual time of sowing will depend a great deal upon the steady temperature you can maintain in your greenhouse/propagator, soil, local conditions etc.
Plant Type Acronyms
GBb | Greenhouse Bulb | |
GP | Greenhouse Perennial | Anytime of year. |
GSh | Greenhouse Shrub | |
GT | Greenhouse Tree | |
HA | Hardy Annual | Late winter/early spring. |
HB | Hardy Biennal | Late spring/early summer. |
HBb | Hardy Bulb | Late winter/late spring and late summer/autumn |
HHA | Half Hardy Annual | Early/ late spring. Normally 4-8 weeks before planting outside. |
HHB | Half Hardy Biennal | Summer/autumn. |
HHBB | Half Hardy Bulb | Late winter/spring. |
HHP | Half Hardy Perennial | Late winter/spring. |
HHSh | Half Hardy Shrub | Any time of year. |
HHT | Half Hardy Tree | Any time of year. |
HP | Hardy Perennial | Late winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. |
HSh | Hardy Shrub | Winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. |
HT | Hardy Tree | Winter/late spring and late summer/autumn. |
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 to move the boxes outside to a sheltered spot during the day and bring indoors at night.
The below file can be downloaded on this link: Seed Germination List
Variety | Type | Germ Days | G 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. | ||
Abutilon | HHSh | 21-30 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | 1/4″ | ||
Acanthus | HP | 21-25 | 50-55 | Peaty | 1/4″. | |||
Achillea | HP | 30-100 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See Nos. 6 & 14. Place in a fridge for 6 weeks. |
Actaea | HP | 30-365 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6-8 weeks). | |
Actinidia | HP | 60-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Male & Female flowers are borne on separate plants. | |
Adansonia | GSh | 21-365 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 50-55 | Well drained | S | ||
Adonis | HA, HP | 30-120 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Aechmia | GP | 7-90 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Aethionema | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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 | ||
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 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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″ | |||
Anacampseros | GP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | |
Anacyclus | HP | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 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 situ | ||
Androsace | HP | 30-365 | ˆ | 50-55 | Well drained | S | See No. 16. | |
Anemone | HP | 28-180 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6. | |
Anemonopsis | HP | 30-18O | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | JC | ||
Aquilegia | HP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 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. | ||
Araujia | HHSh | 90-180 | ˆ | 75-80 | Well drained | JC | ||
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 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | |
Aristea | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | ||
Aristolochia | GSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/8″ | ||
Aruncus | HP | 30-90 | 55-65 | Peaty | S | |||
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 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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). | ||
Astilbe | HP | 40-80 | 65 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | ||
Astrantia | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 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. | |
Baileya | HHP | 7-30 | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Balsamorrhiza | HP | 14-42 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Banana (Musa) | GP | 7-180 | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | 1/2² | See No. 2. | |
Banksia | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | 60-70 | 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 | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. Fibrous 70-75°F, tuberous 65-70°F. |
Belamcanda | HP | 14-60 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Bergenia | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). | |
Berlandiera | HHP | 30-90 | L | 60-70 | Well drained | S | ||
Beta | HB | 14-21 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Usually sown in situ. | ||
Bignonia | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | |||
Blandfordia | HHP | 30-90+ | ˆ | 60-70 | Sandy peat | JC | ||
Bletilla | HHP | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Boea | GP | 20-60 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 60-65 | Sandy peat | JC | ||
Bromeliads | GP | 7-90 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Browellia | GP | 14-21 | L | 75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Brunfelsia | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-80 | Well drained | JC | ||
Bulbinella | H/HHBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | ||
Bupthalmum | HP | 14-30 | L | 70-75 | Well drained | S | ||
Cacti | GP | 5-180 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 9. |
Caesalonia | HhSh | 14-120 | ˆ | 75-80 | Well drained | 1/4″ | See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water). | |
Calandrinia | HHA | 5-14 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Calceolaria | GB | 14-21 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | S | |
Calliopsis | HA | 14 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Callirhoe | HP | 30-180+ | L | ˆ | 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. | |
Caltha | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Keep compost slighty moist. | |
Camassia | HBb | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Campanula | HP, HB | 14-28 | L | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Campsis | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months). | |
Canarina | GP | 30-180 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Candytuft | HA, HP | 10-15 | 68-85 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Can be sown in stiu. Perennials (60-65°F) can be slow and irregular. | ||
Canna | HHP | 21-60 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | See Nos 12 & 13, chip and soak for 48 hours. | |
Capsicum | GA | 21-30 | L | 70-75 | Peaty | S | ||
Cardiocrinum | HBb | 90-730 | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Cardiospermum | HHA | 21-30 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/2″ | |||
Carica | GSh | 30-120 | ˆ | 75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | See No. 13. (Soak for 40 hours). | |
Carlina | HP | 30-60 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | S | ||
Carthamus | HA | 12-18 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Can be sown in stiu | ||
Cassia | GSh | 7-90 | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 12. | ||
Casuarina | GT | 30-90 | 65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Catananche | HP | 21-25 | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Catharanthus | GA/HHA | 15-20 | D | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | ||
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. | ||
Cephalaria | HP | 21-60 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Cephalilitrum | HHA | 14-21 | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Cerastium | HP | 5-10 | 60 | Well | drained | 1/16″ | ||
Ceratotheca | HHA | 8-14 | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Cerinthe | HHA | 7-14 | 60-65 | Well | drained | 1/16″ Can be sown in situ | ||
Cheiranthus | HB | 14-21 | 65-75 | Well | drained | 1/8″ Sow in a reserve bed, prick out 6″ apart. Plant out in Oct. | ||
Chelidonium | HP | 30-365 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 16. | |
Chelone | HP | 14-42 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Needs good drainage. | ||
Chiastophyllum | HP | 30-60 | 55 | Well drained | S | Seeds very small. | ||
Chionodoxa | HBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | 1/4″ | ||
Chlorogalum | HBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Cineraria | GP | 14-21 | L | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | JC | |
Cirrhopetalum | GP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | |
Cirsium | HP | 15-18 | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Cissus | GSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Cladanthus | HA | 30-35 | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Clarkia | HA | 21 | 0 | 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+ | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See Nos. 6 & 16. | |
Cleome | HHA | 10+14 | L | 70-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). | |
Clerodendrum | GSh | 21-60 | ˆ | 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 for 48 hours). | |
Colchicum | HBb | 30-365 | ˆ | 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 | 0 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown in situ, thin out to 6′. | ||
Collomia | HA | 21 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Best sown in situ, thin out to 6″. | ||
Columnea | GP | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 72-75 | Peaty | S | |
Commelina | HHP | 30-37 | 70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Conophytum | GP | 10-40 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Well drained | S | |
Convallaria | HP | 60-365+ | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well 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). | ||
Coreopsis | HP | 20-25 | L | 55-70 | Well drained | S | Annuals can be sown In situ | |
Correa | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-72 | Well 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 | ||
Cotula | HHA | 14-42 | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Crambe | HP | 21-42 | 0 | Well drained | 1/2″ | Best sown In situ. | ||
Craspedia | HHA | 14-30 | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Crepis | HA | 5-14 | 70-80 | Wed drained | JC | |||
Crocosmia | HP | 30-90 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Crocus | HBb | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Crossandra | GP | 25-30 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Crotalaria | GSh | 21-30 | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours) | ||
Cryptostegia | GCI | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ||
Cyananthus | HP | 14-60 | L | 60-65 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Cycad | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | Half bury the seed lengthwise. | ||
Cyclamen | GP | 30-60 | D | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Keep moist and in total darkness. |
Cyclamen | HP | 30-18O | D | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | 1/4″ | See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours). | |
Cypripedium | HP | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. Very difficuft outside the laboratory. |
Cyrtanthus | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | S | Keep the compost silghty moisty | |
Dahlia | HHA | 5-20 | 65-70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Do not let the compost dry out. | ||
Darlingtonia | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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″ | |||
Delonix | GT | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 50-55 | Peaty | 1/16″ | High temps. cause dormancy. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). |
Desmodium | GA | 30-90 | 75-80 | well 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 | |||
Dicentra | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-8 weeks). | ||
Didymocarpus | Gp | 14-56 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | |
Dierama | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | S | See No. 5. |
Dietes | HHP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Dioon | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | 1/2 peat, 1/2 sand 1/4″ | 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 | ˆ | 7-8O | Peaty | JC | |
Dipsacus | HB | 4-30 | 0 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown in situ | ||
Disporum | HP | 30-180+ | L | ˆ | 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. | ||
Doronicum | HP | 15-20 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | Reduce soil tempeature at night | |
Doryanthes | HHP | 30-60 | 65 | Peaty | JC | See No. 13. (Soak for 3 hours). | ||
Draba | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | See Nos. 6 and 14. | |
Dracaena | GSh | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 75-85 | Well drained | S | Keep the compost slightly moist |
Dracunculus | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6. | |
Duchesnia | HP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | |
Duranta | GSh | 30-60 | 70-75 | Peaty | JC | |||
Eccremocarpus | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | Cover the seed slightly with silver sand | |
Echeveria | HHP | 21-90 | L | ˆ | 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 | 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 | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Keep the compost slightly moist | |
Emilia | HHA | 8-15 | 70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
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 | ˆ | 60-68 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 6 and 14. | |
Eremurus | HP | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16 |
Erica | GP | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Acid Peat | S | See No. 5. |
Erigeron | HP | 15-20 | 55 | Well drained | S | |||
Erinus | HP | 20-25 | 65-75 | Well drained | S | |||
Eriobotrya | HHSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | JC | See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours). | |
Eriophyllum | HP | 14-42 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Best sown outdoors and transplanted. | ||
Eryngium | HP | 5-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 6. |
Erysium | HP | 14-30 | 0 | 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 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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″ | |||
Eupatorium | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | ||
Euphorbia | HHA,HP,GSh | 10-15 | ˆ | 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. | |
Fascicularia | HHP | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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 Amelloides | HHP | 30 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. (Place in fridge for 3 weeks). | ||
Felicia Bergeriana | HHA | 30 | 70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Ferns | HP, GP | 30-180 | L | 65 | Peaty | S | See No. 4. | |
Ficus | GSh | 15-90 | L | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Filipendula | HP | 30-90 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Flower Lawn | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | S | See Nos. 6 or 16. |
F.Cabbage & Kale | HB | 14-21 | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Foeniculum | HP | 10-14 | D | 65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Dislikes transplanting, sow in situ. | |
Francoa | HHP | 14-30 | L | ˆ | 50-55 | Peaty | S | See No. 6. |
Freesia | HHBB | 25-30 | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | See No. 7. | |
Fritillaria | HBb | 330-540 | ˆ | 55-M | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Fuchsia | GP | 21-90 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. Soak in rain water for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist. |
Gaillardia | HP, HHA | 15-20 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | Reduce soil temperature at night. |
Galega | HP | 14-60 | 0 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown outdoors and transplanted. | ||
Galtonia | HBb | 15-20 | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Gardenia | GSh | 25-30 | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Use a lime free compost (Ericaceous). | ||
Gaura | HHA | 14-30 | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Gazania | HHA | 8-21 | D | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Gentiana | HP | 14-180 | D | ˆ | 70-75 | Lime free | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months). |
Gentianopsis | HA | 21-30 | L | 0 | Well drained | S | Sow outdoors and thin. Sensitive to root disturbance. | |
Geranium | HHP | 3-21 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Geranium | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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+ | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Reduce soil temperature at night. | |
Gilia | HA | 17 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Sow outdoors and thin out. | ||
Glaucidium | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 50-55 | Peaty | JC | ||
Glaucium | HA | 14-21 | D | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | Transplant carefully, best sown In situ. | |
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 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 65 | Peaty | S | See No. 4. |
Grasses | HP, HHA | 10-90 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Guzmania | GP | 7-90 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Gypsophila | hA, HP | 10-15 | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | JC | ||
Hacquetia | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16. | |
Haemanthus | GBb | 7-42 | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | |||
Haplopappus | HP | 21-30 | 60-70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Hardenbergia | HHP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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). | ||
Haworthia | HHP | 21-60 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | 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″ | |||
Helenium | 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 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Helipterum | HA | 14-20 | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Helleborous | HP | 30-545 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 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 | 0 | 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 situ. Reduce soil temperature at night. | |
Heuchera | HP | 10-60 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | |
Hibiscus | HHP, GA | 15-30 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 & 13. | |
Hieracium | HP | 21-30 | 50-60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Hippeastrum | HHBB | 30-42 | 75 | Pemy | 1/8″ | |||
Hollyhock | HA, HP | 10-12 | L | 60-70 | Peaty | S | Can be sown in situ. | |
Holmskioldia | GSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Hosta | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | 0 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Sow in situ. | ||
Hyoscymus | HB, HA | 14-42 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Sow in situ. | ||
Hypericum | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Impatiens | HHA | 21-30 | L | ˆ | 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. | ||
Indigofera | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/8 | 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 | ˆ | 70-85 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | |
Iris | HP | 30-545 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Ixora | GSh | 30-120 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/8″ | See No. 13. soak for 24 hours). | |
Jasione | HP | 10-21 | 70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Jatropha | GP | 30-120 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Jovellana | H/HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 60-50 | Well drained | S | ||
Kalanchoe | GP | 7-30 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Weil drained | S | Likes good air circulation. |
Kallstroemia | HHA | 14-21 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Kaulfussia | HA | 21-30 | 0 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown in situ. Thin to 6². | ||
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 | 0 | 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 | ||
Lagerstroemia | HHSh | 15-20 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | See No. 5. | |
Lagunaria | GT | 30-180 | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | See No. 13. (Soak 1 day in hand hot water). | |
Lapageria | HHP | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | See No. 13. Soak for 3 days changing water 3/5 times per day | |
Lapeirousia | HBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Larkspur | HA | 14-21 | D | 50-55 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). High temperatures cause dormancy. | |
Lasthenia | HA | 17-21 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Best sown in situ Thin to 4″. | ||
Lathyrus | HP | 20-30 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Soak or chip the seeds. See Nos. 12 or 13. | |
Lavatera | HA, HB, HP | 15-20 | 70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |||
Lavender | HSh | 21-90 | ˆ | 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″ | |||
Leea | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 75-80 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 13. | |
Leontopodium | HP | 10-42 | L | ˆ | 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 | ˆ | 60 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Leptosyne | HA | 6-12 | L | 60-65 | Peaty | 1/8″ | ||
Leschenaultia | GSh | 30-120 | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | ||
Lewisia | HP | 365+ | L | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5 weeks). |
Liatris | HP | 20-25 | 55-75 | Well drained | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Libertia | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 6. | |
Ligularia | HP | 14-42 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | S | Keep compost slighty moist. | |
Lilies | HBb | 30-365 | ˆ | 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 | 0 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Sow outdoors and thin out. | ||
Linaria | HP | 10-15 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | ||
Linum | HP | 20-25 | 65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Best sown in situ. | ||
Lisianthus | HHP | 10-21 | L | 68-77 | Well drained | S | ||
Lithops | GP | 10-40 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Well drained | S | |
Lobelia | HHA,HHP | 15-20 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | Place seed of perennial types in fridge for 3 months (See No. 14). |
Lomatia | HHSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Lonas | HA | 5-7 | D | 70 | Well drained | JC | Can be sown in situ | |
Lotus | HHP | 14-30 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | Transplant into 3″ pots. | |
Luculia | HHSH | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | ||
Lunaria | HB | 10-14 | 70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Lupin | HP | 15-60 | D | ˆ | 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. 12. (pre-chill for 2 weeks). | |
Lysichitum | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Keep compost saturated by standing in water. | |
Lysimachia | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 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. | |
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 drained | 1/16″ | |||
Meconopsis | HP | 14-28 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | S | Keep slightly moist. See also No. 5. | |
Melia | GT | 30-180 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Melianthus | HHSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Mentzelia | HA | 5-21 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Mertensia | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | |
Mesembryanthemum | HHA | 15-20 | D | 65-75 | Well drained | S | ||
Metrosideros | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 60-60 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Mimosa | GP | 21-30 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 13. (Soak for 20 minutes in almost boiling water). |
Mimulus | HHP, HP | 7-21 | L | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Then No. 5. | |
Mina | HHP | 20-25 | 70 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Mirabilis | HHA | 7-21 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | ||
Conifer Trees | HT | 30-365 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | See Nos. 6 and 16 | |
Deciduous Trees | HT | 30-365 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | See Nos. 6 and 16 | |
Wild Flowers | HA,HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16 | See No. 6 | |
Everlasting Fls. | HHA | 14-21 | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16 | Can be sown in situ | ||
Everlasting Fls. | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6 | |
Exotics | GP | 30-180 | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | JC | Fls. to attract B/flies | |
Australian Bush | GP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | S | |
Shore/Coastal | HB,HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Silver/Grey Fol. | HP,HHA | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Succulents | HHP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | |
Moluccelia | 21-35 | L | ˆ | 60 | Well drained | JC | Pre-chill for 5 days then 40°F temp. night gives best results. | |
Momordica | HHA | 14-21 | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Sow seeds singly in 3′ pots. | ||
Monarda | HP | 10-40 | 60-70 | Peaty | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Moraea | HHBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Morina | HP | 14-42 | 50 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |||
Mucuna | GP | 21-90 | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | |||
Muscari | HBb | 42-60 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Mutisia | H/HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Myosotidium | H/HHP | 30-180 | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Myosotis | HB | 14-30 | D | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5 but keep in total darkness. | |
Myrrhis | HP | 14-42 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Naranjilla | GP | 10-30 | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Nasturtium | HA | 7-12 | 65 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown in situ | ||
Nemesia | HHA | 7-21 | 55-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | ||
Nemophila | HA | 7-21 | 55 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Neperrthes | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 75-85 | Peaty | S | Dont let compost dry out. See also No.5. | |
Nepeta | HP | 7-21 | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Nerine | HHBb | 14-21 | 65-70 | Well drained | S | Sow immediately, keep moist and place in a polythene bag. | ||
Nerium | GSh | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | |
Nertera | GP | 30-90 | D | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | SC | See No. 8. |
Nicandra | HA | 15-20 | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Nicotiana | HHA | 10-20 | L | 70-75 | Well drained | S | ||
Nierembergia | HHP | 15-30 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Nigella | HA | 10-15 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Best sown in situ. Resents transplanting. | ||
Nolana | HHA | 14-30 | 60-70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Nomocharis | HBb | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 45-50 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16 |
Notholirion | H/HHBb | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 45-50 | Well drained | JC | See No .16 |
Ocimum | HA | 14-42 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | S | ||
Oenothera | HP | 15-30 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | |
Omphalodes | HP | 14-42 | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Onopordon | HP,HB | 30-60 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Onosma | HP | 30-60 | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Orchid | GP | 90-365 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | |
Orchis | HBb | 90-365 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | |
Ornithogalum | GBb | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 6 | |
Orphium | GSh | 21-42 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | S | ||
Osteospermum | HHA,HP | 10-15 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Oxalis | HBb | 14-60 | 55-68 | Well drained | JC | |||
Pachypodium | GP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | S | |
Paeonia | HP | 365+ | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16. Keep shaded and moist. |
Palms | GP | 60-180 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/4″ | See No. 2 | |
Pansy | HP | 14-21 | D | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 14. (Pre-Chill for 2 Weeks.) |
Papaver | HP | 10-30 | D | 55 | Well drained | S | Best sown in situ. P. Orientale Needs light for germination. | |
Paradisea | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 6 | |
Parnassia | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | S | Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist. | |
Parochetus | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 13. | |
Passiflora | HHP | 30-365 | ˆ | 70-85 | Peaty | 1/4″ | See No. 13. Give the seed container an occasional soaking. | |
Pavonia | GSh | 30-60 | ˆ | 75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Peanuts | GA | 7-21 | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Sow and place inside a polythene bag until germination. | ||
Peltiphyllum | HP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | S | Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist. |
Penstemon | HP | 18-21 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | See No.14 | |
Pentas | GP | 25-40 | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No.5 | ||
Peperomia | GP | 15-30 | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No.5 | ||
Perilla | HHA | 15-30 | L | 65-75 | Peaty | S | ||
Petrea | GSh | 30-60 | L | 65-75 | Peaty | S | ||
Petunia | HHA | 10-21 | L | 70-75 | Peaty | S | F1 hybrids and doubles may need 80°F to germinate. | |
Phacelia | HA | 12-30 | D | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Best sown in situ. Total dark required. | |
Phaeomeria | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 80 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Phaseolus | GP | 30-60 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 an 13. | ||
Philodendron | GP | 30-120 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | ||
Phlomis | HP | 14-42 | 60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Phlox-Annual | HHA | 10-21 | D | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Sow direct into pots as it resents transplanting. | |
Phlox-Perennial | HP | 25-30 | D | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No.14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Phormium | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | ||
Phuopsis | HP | 30-40 | L | 50-60 | Well drained | S | ||
Phygelius | HP | 10-14 | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Physalis | HP | 21-30 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | ||
Physostegia | HP | 21-30 | 55-75 | Peaty | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Phyteuma | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | See No.6 | |
Phytolacca | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Pilea | GP | 14-60 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Pinguicula | HHP | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 55 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. Use a compost 1/2 peat and 1/2 sand. |
Pittosporum | HHSh | 30-60 | 55 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Place seeds in a bag and dip in boiling water for few seconds. | ||
Platycodon | HP | 15-30 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | ||
Platystemon | HA | 14-30 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16 | Sow in situ | ||
Plumbago | GP | 25-30 | 70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Plumeria | GP | 30-180 | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 13. | |
Podolepis | HHA | 21-30 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | S | ||
Podophyllum | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | JC | Pre-chill for 3 weeks. Keep compost always moist. |
Polemonium | HP | 20-25 | 70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Polygala | HSh | 30-60 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Polygonatum | HP | 30-545 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Polygonum | HP,HHA | 21-60 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Do not overwater | |
Portulaca | HHA | 14-21 | L | 70-85 | Well drained | S | ||
Potentilla | HP | 14-30 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Poterium | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6. | |
Primula-Indoors | GA, GP | 20-25 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | S | P.Sinensis needs darkness for germination. |
Primula-Outdoor | HP | 21-40 | L | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Proboscidia | GA/HHA | 15-42 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | ||
Protea | HHT | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Sow immediately. | |
Prunella | HP | 30-60 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Psidium | 30-60 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | JC | See No. 13. | ||
Pulmonaria | HP | 30-42 | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | |||
Pulsatilla | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6. Trim ‘tails’ off seeds before sowing | |
Pyrethum | HHA, HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | Doubleness of flowers increases in 2nd year. | |
Pyrola | HSh | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 55 | Peaty | S | |
Ramonda | HP | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | S | |
Ranunculus | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Raoulia | HP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | S | |
Ratibida | HA/HB/HP | 21-42 | 68-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Rechsteineria | GBb | 30-60 | 70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Rehmannia | H/HHP | 21-42 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Reseda | HB,HA | 5-21 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | Extra care required when transplanting. | |
Rheum | HP | 21-42 | 60-65 | Peaty | 1/8″ | |||
Rhodanthe | HHA | 14-30 | 75-80 | Well drained | JC | Can be sown in situ | ||
Rhodochiton | HHP | 12-42 | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | ||
Rhodohypoxis | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | JC | Lime free compost required. | |
Rhoeo | GP | 14-60 | 65-70 | Peaty | JC | See No. 13. (Soak for 1/2 hour). | ||
Ricinus | HHA | 15-21 | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/4″ | These seeds are poisonous. | ||
Rochea | HHP | 14-42 | L | 60-70 | PBM | S | See No. 5. | |
Rodgersia | HP | 12-60 | L | 55-60 | Peaty | S | ||
Roscoea | HP | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 50-55 | Well drained | S | See No. 16. |
Rothmannia | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8″ | See No. 13. (Soak for 5 hours). | |
Rudbeckia | HHA, HP | 5-21 | L | 70 | Peaty | S | Fulgida see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). | |
Ruella | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | JC | ||
Ruta | HP | 30-42 | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Sagina | HP | 10-21 | 55 | Well drained | JC | |||
Saintpaulia | GP | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Salpiglossis | HHA | 15-30 | D | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | |
Salvia | HHA, HA | 10-14 | L | ˆ | 68-80 | Well drained | S | For Patens & Superba see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Sandersonia | HHBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 13. | |
Sanguinaria | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 50-55 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Sanguisorba | HP | 30-60 | 50-55 | Well drained | S | |||
Sanvitalia | HA | 10-21 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | Take care when transplanting. | |
Saponaria | HA,HP | 10-21 | L | 70 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | |
Sarracenia | HP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7 days) then No. 5. |
Saxifraga | HP | 15-60 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | See No. 6. | |
Scabiosa | HA | 10-15 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Schefflera | GSh | 20-30 | 75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |||
Schizanthus | GA | 7-14 | D | 60-75 | Peaty | S | ||
Schizopetalon | HHA | 6-21 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Schizostylis | HBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Scilla | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Scutellaria | HP | 14-180 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | JC | ||
Sedum | HP | 15-30 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | S | See No. 6. | |
Sempervivum | HP | 15-30 | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | S | ||
Senecio | HHA | 10-21 | L | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Setcreasia | HHP | 30-40 | 70 | Peaty | JC | |||
Shortia | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | |
Sidalcea | HP | 14-42 | 50 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Silene | HP | 15-20 | 70 | Well drained | JC | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Silybum | HA | 14-21 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Simmondsia | HHT | 14-21 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 13. (Soak for 12 hours). | ||
Sinningia | GP | 10-21 | L | 70 | Peaty | S | ||
Sisyrinchium | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 6. | |
Smilacena | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Smithiantha | GP | 15-40 | L | 75-77 | Peaty | S | Very small seeds | |
Solanum | GP | 15-21 | L | 70-80 | Well drained | S | The plants should be placed outdoors through the summer for pollination. | |
Soldanella | HP | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Solidago | HP | 14-42 | 50 | Well drained | JC | |||
Sparaxis | HBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 50-55 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Sparmannia | GSh | 21-30 | 65-75 | Peaty | JC | |||
Specularia | HA | 12-30 | 0 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Sow outdoors and thin out. | ||
Spigelia | H/HHP | 30-60 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | |
Stachys | HP | 15-30 | L | 70 | Well drained | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. Grow on the dry side. | |
Stapelia | GP | 7-30 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | Use 1/2 peat 1/2 sand. |
Stenocarpus | HHT | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Stephanotis | GP | 15-90 | ˆ | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Keep the compost slightly moist. | |
Stereospermum | GSh | 30-18O | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Stocks | HHA | 10-14 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | S | Can be sown in situ. | |
Stokesia | HP | 25-30 | 70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |||
Strelitzia | GP | 30-180 | ˆ | 70-75 | Sand | S | See No. 1. Soak for up to 3 days changing the water daily. | |
Streptocarpus | GP | 15-30 | L | 55-65 | Peaty | S | Very small seeds. See No. 5. | |
Streptosolon | HHSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Stylomecon | HA | 14-21 | 0 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Sow outdoors and thin out to 6″. | ||
Succisa | HP | 10-21 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | ||
Sutherlandia | H/HHSh | 21-30 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 13. (Soak for 3 hours). | ||
Sweet Pea | HA | 10-20 | D | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/4² | File or soak seeds. See Nos. 12 and 13. Grow cool. | |
Symphyandra | HP | 21-30 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Tacca | GP | 30-270 | ˆ | 80-85 | Peaty | 1/8″ | Soak for 72 hours. See No. 13. | |
Tacitus | HHP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | |
Tecophilaea | HBb | 30-365 | ˆ | 50-55 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Keep compost slightly moist. | |
Tellima | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | S | See No. 6. | |
Tephrosia | HP | 21-42 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Tetranema | GP | 14-30 | 65-75 | Peaty | JC | |||
Teucrium | HP | 25-30 | 70 | Well drained | S | |||
Thalictrum | HP | 15-21 | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Thermopsis | HP | 15-30 | 70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | File or soak the seeds. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Thunbergia | HHA | 14-21 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | JC | Keep the compost slightly moist. | |
Thymus | HP | 15-30 | L | 55 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Tiarella | HP | 14-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | S | See No. 6. | |
Tibouchina | GSh | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Tigridia | H/HHBb | 30-90 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | |||
Tillandsia | GP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Tithonia | HHA | 5-14 | L | ˆ | 70- | Well drained | S | |
Torenia | GA | 15-30 | L | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Townsendia | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 6. | |
Trachelium | HHP | 15-21 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | S | ||
Trachymene | HHA | 15-30 | D | 70 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Transplant carefully. | |
Tradescantia | HP | 30-40 | 70 | Peaty | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | ||
Tree Fems | HHP | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 4. |
Trichosanthes | HHA | 14-30 | 65-75 | Peaty | 1″ | Sow singly in 2′ pots. | ||
Tricyrtis | HP | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Keep compost slighty moist. | |
Trillium | HP | 545+ | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 15. Requires two periods of at least 3 months in the frig. | |
Tripteris | HA | 5-14 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Can be sown in situ. | ||
Trollius | HP | 30-365 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). | |
Trop. Speciosum | HP | 360-720 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | ||
Tropaeolum | HA | 10-15 | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Can be sown in situ | ||
Tulipa | HBb | 60-90 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 6. | |
Tunica | HP | 14-60 | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | 1/16 | See No. 6 | |
Tweedia | GP | 30-90 | ˆ | 75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Urospermum | HP/HB | 16-30 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Ursinia | HHA | 14-30 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Uvularia | HP | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | JC | ||
Vallota | HHBb | 30-60 | 65-70 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |||
Veltheimia | HHBb | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Keep compost slightly moist | |
Venidium | HHA | 6-14 | 60-65 | Peaty | 1/8″ | |||
Veratrum | HP | 90-365 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/4² | See No. 6 and No. 16. | |
Verbascum | HB,HP | 14-30 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Can be grown in situ | ||
Verbena | HHA,HP | 14-90 | D | ˆ | 65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Bonariensis & Venosa. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). |
Verbesina | HHA | 14-30 | 60-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | |||
Veronica | HP | 15-30 | L | 70 | Peaty | JC | Reduce soil temperature at night. | |
Veronicastrum | HP | 21-40 | L | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | ||
Vicia | HP | 21-40 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Vinca | GA | 15-30 | D | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/16″ | |
Viola | HP | 14-21 | D | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). |
Viscaria | HA | 10-21 | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Vriesia | GP | 7-90 | L | ˆ | 60.7 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. |
Wahlenbergia | HHA | 14-28 | L | 60-70 | Well drained | S | ||
Wallflower | HB | 10-14 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/4″ | Sow in reserve bed, prick out 6² apart, plant out in October. | ||
Waterlily | GP | 14-30 | File seed and submerge in water at 75-85’F, change water twice daily. | |||||
Watsonia | HBb | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Keep the compost slimy moist. | |
Xeranthemum | HA | 10-15 | 70 | Well drained | JC | Transplant carefully. | ||
Xerophyllum | HP | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | JC | ||
Yucca | HA | 30-365 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | Filamentosa germinates at 55°F. | |
Zantedeschia | HHP | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 70-80 | Peaty | S | See No. 13. Keep compost quite moist. |
Zauschneria | H/HHP | 30-60 | L | 60-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Zea | HHA | 5-14 | 70 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Sow seeds individually in peat pots. | ||
zinnia | HHA | 10-24 | 75-80 | Peaty | 1/16″ | Sow seeds individually in peat pots. | ||
Abies | HT | 21-30 | L | ˆ | 68-75 | Peaty | S | Soak overnight then pre-chill for 21 days. (No. 14). |
Acer | HT | 30-365+ | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | Soak for 2 days then No. 15. (2 months warm moist, 2 months frig) |
Ailanthus | HT | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | Chip, soak then No. 14 for 2 weeks. |
Akebia | HSh | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (4 weeks). |
Albiza | HSh/HT | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing. | |
Amorpha | HSh | 30-120 | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing. | |
Andromeda | HSh | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Peaty | S | Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist. |
Araucaria | HT | 30-60 | D | 55-60 | Peaty | 1/4″ | Sow immediately | |
Arbutus | HT | 60-90 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (6-8 weeks). |
Arundinaria | HSh | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | JC | Stand seed in a saucer of water to keep the soil always moist. |
Asterolasia | HSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/16″ | ||
Aucuba | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Azalea | HSh | 50-90 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Peaty | S | See No. 5 or No. 6. Keep shaded from direct sun. |
Berberis | HSh | 60-180 | L | ˆ | 50-65 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (8 weeks). |
Betula | HT | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (10 weeks). |
Buddleia | HSh | 20-30 | L | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). | |
Bupleurum | HSh | 14-60 | 55-60 | Well drained | JC | |||
Calluna | HSh | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 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). | |
Camellia | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/4 | See No. 13 . May also benefit from No. 14. | |
Caragana | HSh | 14-21 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 13. | |
Carpinus | HT | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 15. (1 month at 70°F then 4 months in frig.) or No. 16. |
Caryopteris | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | ||
Catalpa | HT | 14-30 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | Give seedlings good ventilation to prevent damping off. |
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 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | S | Soak for 2-3 hours then treat as No. 14 for 3 weeks. |
Cephalotaxus | HSh | 14-60 | ˆ | 60-65 | Peaty | JC | ||
Cercis | HSh | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | See No.13. Soak in hand hot water then No. 14 for 2-3 months. |
Chaenomeles | HSh | 70-90 | L | ˆ | 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). | |
Chimonanthus | HSh | 63-90 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5-8 weeks). |
Chionanthus | HSh | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 1 month) |
Cistus | HSh | 7-30 | L | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Clerodendron | HSh | 60-90 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-6 weeks). |
Colutea | HSh | 7-21 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/16 | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Cordyline | HHSh | 30-60 | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | 1/16 | ||
Cornus | HSh | 90-730 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | See No.15. (2 months at 70°F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. |
Coronilla | HHSh | 30-60 | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Cotoneaster | HSh | 180-365 | L | ˆ | 70 | Acid Peaty | S | See No.15. (3-5 months at 70°F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. |
Crataegus | HSh | 180-730 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | See No.15. (3-5 months at 70’F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16. |
Crinodendron | H/HHSh | 30-120 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | See No.13. (Soak for 3 hours). | |
Cryptomeria | HT | 30-60 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | 1/16 | ||
Cupressus | HT | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No.14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Cytisus | HSh | 25-30 | L | 70-75 | Well drained | S | See No.13. Transplant to final quarters whilst still small. | |
Daboecia | HSh | 30-120 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Acid peat | S | Never allow compost to dry out. |
Daphne | HSh | 150- 365 L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | S | See No. 15.(2 months at 70°F then 3 months in the frig) | |
Davidia | HT | 300-365 | ˆ | 50-65 | Peaty | 1/4 | See No. 15.(3-4 months warm moist, 3-4 months frig.). | |
Decaisnea | HSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/4 | ||
Elaeagnus | HT/HSh | 140-180 | ˆ | 50-65 | Well drained | 1/16 | See No. 15.(4 weeks warm moist, 8-12 weeks frig.). | |
Enkianthus | HSh | 25-60 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). |
Erica | HSh | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Euonymus | HSh | 220-365 | ˆ | 50-65 | Well drained | 1/16 | See No. 15.(8-12 weeks warm moist, 8-16 weeks frig.). | |
Fagus | HT | 30-365 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | JC | Soak overnight then see No. 14 (pre-chill for 6 weeks) or No. 16. |
Forsythia | HSh | 30-90 | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Fremontodendron | HHSh/HSh | 30-60 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Fuchsia | HSh | 21-90 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. Soak in rain water for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist. |
Gaultheria | HSh | 30-60 | L | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-10 weeks). Acid soils only. | |
Genista | HSh | 14-30 | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | See No. 13. | ||
Gingko | HT | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 70-75 | Peaty | 1/8 | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 8-10 weeks). |
Gleditschia | HT | 14-30 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | Chip and soak for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Gymnocladus | HT | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/4 | Chip and soak in warm water for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13. | |
Hamamelis | HSh | 270-365 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Peaty | 1/16 | See No.15. (3 months at 70°F then place in frig. for 3 months). |
Hebe | HHSh | 15-30 | 70 | Peaty | JC | |||
Hibiscus | HSh | 30-60 | ˆ | 70-75 | Well drained | 1/16 | See No.13. | |
Hippophae | HSh | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | See No.14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks). |
Holodiscus | HSh | 30-180 | ˆ | 60-65 | Well drained | S | ||
Indigofera | HSh | 30-60 | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/16 | Pour nearly boiling water over seed and leave to soak overnight. | ||
Jasminum | HSh | 20-30 | 70-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Juglans | HT | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Peaty | JC | See No. 14. (2-3 weeks). Place so that dividing line is at the top. |
Juniperus | HT | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 45-50 | Peaty | S | Soak for 24 hours. High temperatures prevent germination. |
Kalmia | HSh | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 70 | Sandy peat | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). |
Kalmiopsis | HSh | 30-60 | L | 65-70 | Acid, sandy peatS | |||
Koelreuteria | HT | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | See No. 13. (Use boiling water) then No. 14 (place in frig. for 3 weeks). |
Kolwitzia | HT | 40-70 | L | ˆ | 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. | ||
Larix | HT | 30-90 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 1 month). |
Laurus | HT | 40-90 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Peaty | JC | Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill 1 month) |
Ledum | HSh | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Acid peat | S | |
Leycesteria | HSh | 30-60 | 60-65 | Sandy peat | JC | |||
Liquidambar | HT | 14-365 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). Don’t let the seeds dry out. |
Liriodendron | HT | 60-365 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 16. |
Loiseleuria | HSh | 30-60 | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | |||
Lonicera | HSh | 180+ | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. Place in frig. for 3 months. Keep temp. below 75°F. |
Magnolia | HT | 120+ | L | ˆ | 50 | Well drained | JC | See No. 14. Place in frig. for 4 months. |
Mahonia | HSh | 90-120 | L | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). |
Malus | HT | 120-365 | L | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | JC | Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks). |
Menziesia | HSh | 30-60 | 55 | Sandy peat | S | Keep compost uniformly moist. | ||
Morus | HT | 14-30 | L | 65-75 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. or see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 1-3 months). | |
Myrtus | HHSH | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | See No. 13. | |
Nyssa | HT | 90-365 | L | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). |
Olea | HHT/HT | 30-120 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | 1/8″ | ||
Olearia | H/HHSh | 30-60 | L | 65-70 | Well drained | S | ||
Ostrya | HT | 365+ | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16. |
Paeonia | HSh | 270+ | L | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 15. |
Parthenocissus | HSh | 60-180 | L | ˆ | 60-70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 13 then 14. (Pre-chill for 6 week). |
Paulownia | HT | 30-60 | L | 55-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5 | |
Philadelphus | HSh | 30-60 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Phlomis | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | ||
Phyllodoce | HSh | 30-60 | L | 55-65 | Peaty | S | ||
Picea | HT | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 21 days). |
Pieris | HSh | 30-70 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Acid Peat | S | See No. 5. |
Pinus | HT | 30-60 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | S | Soak seed, then No 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). |
Pittosporum | HHSh | 30-60 | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Place seeds in a bag and dip in boiling water for a few seconds. | |
Prunus | HT | 120-365 | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Well drained | 1/16″ | Soak overnight then see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 months). |
Pseudotsuga | HT | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 75 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 8 weeks). |
Ptelia | HSh/HT | 80-120 | 55-60 | Well drained | 1/8″ | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | ||
Punica | HHSH | 30-40 | L | 70-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 13 | |
Pyracantha | HSh | 40-180 | L | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | JC | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks). |
Quercus | HT | 120-365 | L | ˆ | 50 | Peaty | JC | Soak for 24 hours, then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). |
Rhododendron | HSh | 50-90 | L | ˆ | 55-60 | Acid Peat | S | See No. 6. Keep shaded from direct sun. |
Rhodotypos | HSh | 365+ | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | See No. 15. (3 months at 70°F, 3 months chill, 3 months at 70°F). |
Rhus | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | Chip or soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | |
Robinia | HT | 7-30 | L | 65-75 | Well drained | S | See No. 13. Soak in hand hot water. | |
Rosa | HSh | 30-365+ | L | ˆ | 55 | Well drained | JC | See No. 16 or No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). |
Santolina | HSh | 15-30 | 65-70 | Well drained | JC | |||
Sarcococca | HSh | 30-120 | 55-65 | Peaty | JC | |||
Sequoia | HT | 7-60 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Peaty | S | |
Skimmia | HSh | 30-180 | L | ˆ | 50-60 | Acid Peat | S | Soak overnight then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Sophora | HT | 10-21 | 70-85 | Well drained | JC | Chip and soak seeds. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Sorbus | HT | 120-180 | L | ˆ | 65-70 | Well drained | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 months). |
Spartium | HSh | 7-30 | 70 | Well drained | JC | Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Spiraea | HSh | 30-40 | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | |||
Styrax | HSh | 30-90 | ˆ | 55-65 | Well drained | JC | ||
Syringa | HSh | 14-60 | L | 70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). | |
Tamarix | HSh | 30-50 | L | 65-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5. | |
Taxodium | HT | 14-60 | L | 70 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 30 days). | |
Taxus | HT | 365+ | L | ˆ | 70 | Peaty | JC | See No. 15. (3 months at 70°F, 3 months chill, 3 months at 70°F). |
Thuja | HSh | 14-60 | L | ˆ | 55 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Trachycarpus | HT | 40-90 | L | ˆ | 55-65 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks). |
Tsuga | HT | 7-60 | L | ˆ | 60 | Peaty | S | See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). |
Ulex | HSh | 14-21 | 65-75 | Well drained | JC | See No. 13. | ||
Vaccinium | HSh | 365+ | L | ˆ | 65-75 | Acid Peat | S | See No. 16. |
Viburnum | HSh | 240-540 | L | ˆ | 70 | Well drained | JC | See No. 15. (3 months 70°F, 3 months chill, 3 months 70°F). |
Wistaria | HSh | 30-60 | 55-65 | Well drained | 1/8″ | Chip and soak in hand hot water. See Nos. 12 and 13. | ||
Zelkova | HT | 14-60 | L | ˆ | 50-70 | Peaty | S | See No. 5 or No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks). |
Trees and shrubs are farther down the list. The "ˆ" stands for slow and irregular germination. The "L" stands for light germination The "D" stand for germinating the see in darkness The following data is provided by Thompson & Morgan Successful Seed Raising Guide. This guide is out of print.
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Justin Boyd
My name is Justin, I have but a few loves, 1st my wife, then the children she has graciously blessed me with and 3rd growing food. I love planning, sowing, growing and harvesting. So much so, that my neighbors have taken notice. The kids that live around us enjoy helping, planting all the way thru preserving and seed saving. So now I have a plan. Next door is an empty lot, from a house burning down few years back. I am starting a community garden and food forest. Also I’ve convinced two of my neighbors to plant small gardens in their yards, I’m going to get them set up and provide the starters and seeds, but I know that once they get started and see some produce, they will love it like we do. I am asking if you could, through the resources you’ve no doubt acquired, help in donating seeds. Not that we necessary need help with seeds, but it could help motivate the neighborhood kids. I imagine everyone involved getting very excited everytime a new seed packet comes in the mail. And it would be fun to be able to have someone to update on our progress. THANK YOU
JUSTIN BOYD and THE P HIGHWAY PLANTERS
700 P Hwy
Alton MO 65606
Al
Definitely interesting to see all the different types of seeds there is!
vincent
This one is a complete article about seed germination. Really helpful to all the gardeners. It provides the best information about seed germination. Thank you for sharing this article.
gadenah
Thank you for sharing your article on seed germination. It’s very helpful for me.
Liz
A very useful and interesting article will definitely come in handy when working in our garden.
TheJeepDiva Blog
Thanks for sharing this comprehensive guide on how to germinate any seed! As a beginner gardener, I find this information incredibly helpful. The step-by-step instructions and the explanations of the different factors that can affect seed germination are really useful. I can’t wait to try out these techniques in my own garden! 🌱💕