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Tropaeolum Speciosum Seed

TerryRTerryR Posts: 33
in Plants

Hi

I have tried digging up the white roots of this plant to propagate from without success. I have now got an abudance of blue berries containing seeds. Do I have to take of the outer blue covering and dry the seed first or can I just plant the blue berries into pots and when is the best time to sowthem?

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    I'd just collect what you want, put them on kitchen paper to dry out then sow.

    See the link below re sowing.

    http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/all-other-seeds-and-plants/climbing-seeds-and-plants/tropaeolum-speciosum/2018TM

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,444

    Hi Terry, I've never tried these but if you've got lots, try several ways. . I would take the pulp off and dry some for sowing in spring. But sow a couple of pots now. Leave one outside to chill and put one in the warm.

    When I get something new or can't find any info I try all ways. As often as not the ones left outside to chill are the ones that work.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Hi Terry, ive tried these from seed a couple of times now, no success what so ever, i have now been informed by the guys on here, the seed can take 12 months to germinate!

    Basically what im trying to say is they are a bu###r to grow! image
  • TerryRTerryR Posts: 33

    Thanks for all the advice especially from Nutcutlet. Great idea to sow them in different ways to see which is successful!!

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,444

    Trial and error Terry. Good if you've got your own seed, a bit pricey if you have to buy it



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • rachel.gunnrachel.gunn Posts: 1
    Hi TerryR, I know this post was a while ago but I was wondering how you got on?
    My Gran has just given me part of my Grandpa’s tropaeolum speciosum and I really want it to take. I was thinking of planting some seeds too in order to have a back up. 
    Thanks, and I hope you’re well. 
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,869
    I grew some from seed that I collected in my own garden. It took two years for them to germinate - I sowed in 15cm pots. For the first few months or so I kept them in the garage - only because I wanted them out of the way - and the pots were watered when I remembered. Eventually I put them outside and two years later I got an 85% germination. I had just about given up on them to be honest and was almost ready to tip out the pots. I'm glad I waited.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • TerryRTerryR Posts: 33
    Hi Rachel
    I have now mastered the art of growing from roots with small attached shoots! It's taken a few years!!
    I dig up as long a piece of white root as possible with a shoot growing that is not too long. I put them in a 9 cm pot with gritty multipurpose compost, water and put into my propagating case with a hot cable in the green house. I keep them in there until new shoots and more roots start to grow, take them out of the propagator and keep them in the same pot in the greenhouse until the next year. I then pot each one into a 1.5 ltr pot, grow on and replant around the garden or give to friends. I tried in the past potting them up into a 2 ltr pot from 9cm, but they didn't like it and promptly gave up the ghost!
    I still haven't mastered the art of seeds. My last lot 2 years ago were eaten by a squirrel!! The recent droughts have affected the quality and quantity of seed, so haven't bothered.
    Happy planting/sowing!!
  • TerryRTerryR Posts: 33
    Hi Ladybird4
    You have been so lucky with your seeds. I will try again this year if enough good quality seeds mature and keep them away from squirrels and mice!
     
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