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Difficult germination

granmagranma Posts: 1,933
in The potting shed
Has anyone down Dierama seed, or blue meconopsis  and got them to germinate.? If so  any advice?I've tried several times   and don't get anywhere with either.

Posts

  • aureliecelerieraureliecelerier Posts: 157
    I have to admit that I have never sown any dierama or blue meconopsis seeds...
    That said, I was wondering if you have ever tried the paper towel method for seed germination?
    Ihave had a lot of success with many seeds (some notoriously difficult) in the past so maybe you could give it a go and see what happen. To start, moisten a paper towel and wring it out so it is damp, not wet. Then spread the seeds out evenly, then sandwich with another moist towel. Gently slip in a freezer bag with a zipper. You can blow air into the bags using a straw and then seal your bag to speed up germination. You can also leave your bag flat, but keep a corner unsealed to provide air flow. Place your bag in a windowsill that gets some light but not too much sun (you do not want to bake your seeds before they germinate) and check regularly so the paper towels never get dry. Once the seeds have germinated transplant carefully in good quality compost. 
  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    I found this thread very inspiring granma
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/84262/meconopsis/p1
    SW Scotland
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    I have grown Dierama from seed that I got from Mr Ben's. I did whatever it said and they germinated easily enough, but it has been tricky growing them on.
    I have ended up with 3 out of 10 seedlings, which are now several years old and still too small to put outside, so still in pots in the GH. Hope I may see flowers one day, but my agapanthus were easier and quicker!
    I got some Meconopsis seed through my garden club and it germinated very easily, but despite precautions soon fell before the onslaught of slugs and snails - as did the adult plants in the border!
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Dierama just self seed in my garden into gravel! Not much help I'm afraid............AM going to try mecanopsis this year so I may feel your pain!
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    My dierama seeds were planted in the autumn, spent a winter outside in a shetered spot and germinated in the spring.  About 50% germination I think.  I agree that they are tricky to grow on - took 3 years and a couple of re-pots before I was confident they were big enough to plant out.  Of the dozen or so which reached that stage, about half are doing well a couple of years later but the rest look like they're slowly dwindling away.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    Meconopsis. The gardener's greatest challenge. Sow the seed on the surface of some sandy but lime-free compost in the autumn. Cover with coarse lime-free grit. Watch out for early germinating weeds. Seeds should germinate in April. Leave them to grow on for at least a year before dividing up and planting out into a partly shady, cool border. Best in N England and Southern Scotland. Dierama - Angels Fishing Rods - never tried it. Good luck. Ian.
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • granmagranma Posts: 1,933
    Thank you all very much ,you've all helped me with different tips for growing these lovely plants .I'm going to try again! 
    I wish myself and anyone else
    attempting ,....the very best of luck  !!!!!:s :s:):)
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