I sowed some packet bought seed in about early May this year. I sowed them in a tray of seed compost in my unheated greenhouse. It was about 3 weeks before anything appeared,but now they are growing well. Perhpas I should have sown them earlier in the year?
I sowed some packet seeds on 13th May and nothing happened for 4 weeks. They are very slow growing and they are still only about 1cm high. Could be that wretched seed compost. I dare not prick them out yet as they are only just getting their 2nd leaves. At this speed I doubt I'll get flowers this year unless they get a move on!
I have loads in the garden, and give loads away,too. I grew them originally from seed many years ago - so long, that I can't recall exactly when, but I don't remember having had a problem with germination.
I agree with others - once established, they are as tough as old boots, spread seed everywhere, and the seedlings can be pulled up, potted up, re-planted anywhere and they just seem to thrive.
I sowed a packed of these some time at the same time as some oxe-eye daisies. I remember having some trouble getting one or the other to germinate and read up on them. I ended up popping the seed tray in the fridge for a 5 days (this simulates the effects of a frost on the seeds and can help with many wild flower seeds) after which they germinated fine. The problem is I can't remember if it was the verbena bonariensis or the oxe-eye's!!!!
I also love VB and grow it every year but I have to say it has never self-seeded in my garden, the soil being heavy clay. I've never sown seeds but had success with cuttings some years ago. I put some in a pot on a window sill, covered with a plastic bag and in no time the roots developed. This thread has reminded me to do it again this year and to also put my very difficult to germinate wildflower seeds in the fridge first!!
Well Doris after you said they were slow to grow I went back and looked at the pot. Nearly had to get the magnifying glass out but yes there are 2 very small, but definitely VB seddlings coming through!
I don't know if it's the affect of the horrendous rain, but all my VB's this year are standing ramrod straight, it's as if they are all standing to attention but the other thing is the flower heads are towering over me! They are huge!
My VB self seed all over the garden. Every time I go to the garden centre I see them for sale for up to £4. a pot. I must say it makes me feel rather smug I must have several hundred pounds worth! The tallest has reached approx 6ft 6", I have never had such tall healthy plants. I too have given numerous plants away. I noticed today that next years crop are about 6" tall ready to be transplanted or potted up. Plants for free, you can't beat it.
Mine are a good 10inches tall now but I put some in pots to grow on a bit and the slugs have nibbled the main stem near the soil so they've all fallen over! When I pot the others up I'll have to keep them somewhere safer! Might do like MR BEAN and his marrow and construct a moat!
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I sowed some packet bought seed in about early May this year. I sowed them in a tray of seed compost in my unheated greenhouse. It was about 3 weeks before anything appeared,but now they are growing well. Perhpas I should have sown them earlier in the year?
I sowed some packet seeds on 13th May and nothing happened for 4 weeks. They are very slow growing and they are still only about 1cm high. Could be that wretched seed compost. I dare not prick them out yet as they are only just getting their 2nd leaves. At this speed I doubt I'll get flowers this year unless they get a move on!
I have loads in the garden, and give loads away,too. I grew them originally from seed many years ago - so long, that I can't recall exactly when, but I don't remember having had a problem with germination.
I agree with others - once established, they are as tough as old boots, spread seed everywhere, and the seedlings can be pulled up, potted up, re-planted anywhere and they just seem to thrive.
I sowed a packed of these some time at the same time as some oxe-eye daisies. I remember having some trouble getting one or the other to germinate and read up on them. I ended up popping the seed tray in the fridge for a 5 days (this simulates the effects of a frost on the seeds and can help with many wild flower seeds) after which they germinated fine. The problem is I can't remember if it was the verbena bonariensis or the oxe-eye's!!!!
I also love VB and grow it every year but I have to say it has never self-seeded in my garden, the soil being heavy clay. I've never sown seeds but had success with cuttings some years ago. I put some in a pot on a window sill, covered with a plastic bag and in no time the roots developed. This thread has reminded me to do it again this year and to also put my very difficult to germinate wildflower seeds in the fridge first!!
Now that we've had a warm few days my tiny seedlings are growing fast. Must pot them on and keep them away from the hundreds of snails.
Well Doris after you said they were slow to grow I went back and looked at the pot. Nearly had to get the magnifying glass out but yes there are 2 very small, but definitely VB seddlings coming through!
I don't know if it's the affect of the horrendous rain, but all my VB's this year are standing ramrod straight, it's as if they are all standing to attention but the other thing is the flower heads are towering over me! They are huge!
My VB self seed all over the garden. Every time I go to the garden centre I see them for sale for up to £4. a pot. I must say it makes me feel rather smug
I must have several hundred pounds worth! The tallest has reached approx 6ft 6", I have never had such tall healthy plants. I too have given numerous plants away. I noticed today that next years crop are about 6" tall ready to be transplanted or potted up. Plants for free, you can't beat it.
Mine are a good 10inches tall now but I put some in pots to grow on a bit and the slugs have nibbled the main stem near the soil so they've all fallen over! When I pot the others up I'll have to keep them somewhere safer! Might do like MR BEAN and his marrow and construct a moat!