Propagation This Month

I use MP compost from Leroy Merlin, mixed with a bit of sharp sand. They have different prices, so not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. I did have some last year which was well dodgy - after watering, the stuff which came out of the bottom of the pots looked like tea! All the...

I have grown them from seed but it was a long time ago. I dont think you need to wait before planting, think I planted edge way on, in the pots. It is a long process until flowering. Might be a good idea to buy up loads of those bulbs you often see after christmas in garden centres being...

I've grown B.variegata from seed and they germinate easily. The problem that I've had is getting them beyond the seedling stage. I have just one left and that seems to have stalled. That said, I moved house when they were very young last spring so it may romp away this summer.

Seedlings tend not to worry too much about the exact potting compost, or even the exact watering. But I think the cold gets to everything.

...and sow them on their "edge", not flat. Steve...

A bit late now I know but it's well worth while bringing potting compost and water up to temperature before sowing any seed, you get a much better germination rate!

The garden gnome, could you place them on corrugated cardboard box laid flat and extra light from cooking foil selotaped to a piece of card behind the plants?

?? dont know with that one Spruce

I plumped for the 15-cell trays in the end - 20 packs of 10, so 3000 plants worth assuming my maths is right. I'll post back when I get them regarding the quality Apologies for the poor quality of the picture, but if you look closely at the tray at the top of this image, that is the...

How about: just like the movies: "There is trouble ahead, take the kids and stay with your sister for a few weeks"

you can get the same name with delphiniums (blushing Bride) thanks Spruce

I don't suppose there is any chance that anyone has a rooted cutting of Hicote Giant is there? Been after that for some time ...

I agree with Sal about putting a plastic bag over the pot (I attach mine to the pot with an elastic band, so that the bottom of the pot is still "open" so I can stand it in water for a few minutes if it dries out (which it probably won't do until the cutting is rooted). I root Dahlias out of...

Hi no they were not hollow and it is not in direct sun.I have accidentely done two threads on the same subject

On a more general note; looking back I realise I spent and wasted a lot of money buying all sorts of things when I started gardening. Its amazing how you can get the same results much cheaper by improvising.

Its changed in the short time that I have lived here - it seems to be constantly changing, especially Richmond

Actually that's a good point Palustris ... I think of all the things I do use as pea-sticks the one thing that isn't in the mix for me is Hazel as I don't have any big enough, yet, and at our previous place, where we did have Hazel, I can't now remember any rooting. I do use Willow and Dogwood...

I grew several different Hibiscus from seed last year Sal, including coccinea. But none of them flowered. I remember Pete saying that coccinea was difficult. However I suspect other varieties will flower.The only one that did flower from seed last year was Alyogyne huegelii (above), a close...

not at first, no. but i have now! lol.

The Pacific Coast hybrid Iris do not like root disturbance so prick them out as small plants very carefully and get them growing on as quickly as possible into planting out size. I can get the seed of these to germinate like Cress, but getting them to reach flowering size is another matter.