I would try late Feb very early March but start off on a window sill or in a greenhouse somewhere warm ish - to make seeds start. I have tried petunia from seed packet before they take a while to grow large enough to transfer to bigger pots. Keep the slugs away from them.
Gardengirl, I have 5 chrysanthemum cuttings that I took of flowers I was given by my mother in law. Look for a side shoot with a little stem on it between the main stem and a leaf. Nip it off and put it in a glass of water. Roots will start to appear in a week or so then plant up and keep in the house until they are a little stronger then out to the garden they go once they have been hardened off.
I had some success with snapdragon seeds and echinops last year from cut flower seeds I saved. I would much rather have a plant but if I get cut flowers I try to at least have a go and salvage something from them.
hi Tracyshed, Yes, I've done the very same thing in the past. Growing petunias from seed can be slightly tricky as the seeds are so tiny and they need to be surface-sown and not covered by compost. The normal recommendation is to prepare a seed tray and water it first, before sprinkling the seed evenly and finely over the surface, then (very gently) patting it down into the surface (with dry hands, so the seed doesn't stick to them!) Best to start them in a propagator (set to 21-26C), or put the tray in a plastic bag on a light, warm windowsill until they germinate (they need light to germinate, which is why you don't cover them with compost.) Prick them out into individual small pots/modules when they have 2 or 3 leaves (that may be hard if you sowed too thickly!) Good luck - you might save yourself a small fortune!
Hi Bob, Do you sow them in mid march? I have just ordered "below zero" and thought I might save seeds later this year. maybe they won't come true and be as hardy.
This fascinating, something that has never occurred to me to do. I always wish people had given me garden plants rather than cut flowers that will only last a week or so. I have some cut chrysanthemums at the moment (at this time of year!) and will try to take cuttings. Thanks so much, Sam!
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Did some carnations year ago-it is probably more miss than hit-but give it a go.
I doubt very much you are going to get any viable seed they just didn't grow to that stage- let alone anything else.
I would try late Feb very early March but start off on a window sill or in a greenhouse somewhere warm ish - to make seeds start. I have tried petunia from seed packet before they take a while to grow large enough to transfer to bigger pots. Keep the slugs away from them.
All petunias I grew from my own seed turned out white...
Never had luck with cuttings from florists´ carnations, guess they were too old!
Gardengirl, I have 5 chrysanthemum cuttings that I took of flowers I was given by my mother in law. Look for a side shoot with a little stem on it between the main stem and a leaf. Nip it off and put it in a glass of water. Roots will start to appear in a week or so then plant up and keep in the house until they are a little stronger then out to the garden they go once they have been hardened off.
I had some success with snapdragon seeds and echinops last year from cut flower seeds I saved. I would much rather have a plant but if I get cut flowers I try to at least have a go and salvage something from them.
Thank Sam I have put some chrysanthemums cuttings in water I will wait and see and I have put some in compost pots.
I like buying plants for the garden but the cut flowers were in the house - so I would see if I could do something with them
Hi Bob, Do you sow them in mid march? I have just ordered "below zero" and thought I might save seeds later this year. maybe they won't come true and be as hardy.
This fascinating, something that has never occurred to me to do. I always wish people had given me garden plants rather than cut flowers that will only last a week or so. I have some cut chrysanthemums at the moment (at this time of year!) and will try to take cuttings. Thanks so much, Sam!