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Help! Astrantia by seed

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  • I'm moving house (hence my wish to take some with me!). 

  • Ginglygangly re your Trilium seeds, I'm sure it said on GW that they grow a root in the first year, and then grow a shoot in the second year. So don't give up yet.

  • I will have faith. It might just look like a pot of sodden compost to everyone else, but it's a pot of potential to me! Will report triumphantly if any joy in spring!

  • Jinglejangles... I grew Erythronium corms/rhyzomes last autumn in pots. Nearly all flowered, then planted out in garden whilst in flower.

    Michelle, good luck in your new house. Your astrantias will love it I am sure and will give you lots of babies over the years. I seem to get a new brood every yearimage

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,441

    Michelle, I sowed my aquilegias in autumn for years and they always germinated, mostly in spring but sometimes very quickly and I had tiny plants to nurse through the winter. Last year I bought some new ones from Carrie Thomas at Touchwood, National Collection holder. She said January. This year I sowed in January in a cold GH. Excellent germination in March and no babies to suffer in winter.

    http://www.touchwoodplants.co.uk/aquilegias.htm

    See these and try not to get carried awayimage

    Ask Dovefromabove, she's been there and I'm jealous



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Lovely to read all the different experiences!

    I have Astrantia, flowering 2nd time now this year, I wondered if the seed would germinate....sometimes it does and sometimes not.....! I will also make attempts to grow in a propagator as well as potting shed.

    I bought a heated propergator last winter determined to grow my own seedlings,  The Echium Vipers [all 6] grew well but only 1 plant is flowering @ 12 - 18 " tall, the other s are growing on a bit better since repotting.  I have also sown some grass seeds - panicum purple haze-as it has self-seeded  around the plant. I have potted some of these as well hoping they survive whatever winter we may get!! 

    I too have started cutting the perenials down, some are growing back quickly, shall I cut them down again or cover when/if it freezes??

     

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,441

    They don't need heat Rosemary. Hardy plants never 'need' heat though some can be germinated quicker with heat. Not Astrantia though. Sow it now and let it get as cold as it gets. 

     



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • I don't cut down most of my perennials until the spring. Better for wildlife, better for the plants. Only drawback is the untidiness but that is a very small price to pay. I only clear those areas where spring flowers are planted e.g snowdrops, daffs etc.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,441

    I agree, untidiness is good.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Thank you nutcutlet. Will do!

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