germination problems

Hi all,

have had no germination from sowing fresh seeds of Meconopsis betonicifolia and Knautia macedonica. Have waited about 8 weeks now with no joy. Do they need stratification?

any suggestions welcome

ta

Emily

 

Hi Emily ..
Although I have never grown either of these plants I believe they both need a cold spell prior to germination .I'm sure someone will advise further ..

Dave

 

Hi Emily - to quote from my RHS seed germination guide :-

Knautia. 10 - 16C, 30 - 90 days, sow in spring.
The sow in spring bit is news to me because it very rarely says it for anything else. But how does the seed know its spring? Incidently, its possible that the seeds are viable for some time. I grew one about 6 years ago. Then it disappeared and 6 years later another has appeared in the same place. I can only assume its from an old seed. No one else around here seems to be growing it.

Meconopsis. 13 - 18C, up to 90 days, leave seeds uncovered when sown, chilling may improve germination, requires damp conditions, requires a period of cold moist stratification.
There appears to be a bit of repetition here - but I suppose they just press the button for all the stock phrases that apply. So as Dave says - they need cold stratification.

 

sorry for late reply. thanks for your help. Yesterday I found that the meconopsis have started germinating -sometimes i think the best thing to encourage germination is to complain about it on the internet......

will have patience with the knautia and if it doesn't follow suit put it in an unheated greenhouse over winter

i am hoping to try autumn germination for a few perennials this year as I won't have space for them in the spring - will keep them in the glasshouses as long as possible and then harden them off in the spring when I need the space for bedding - will see how it goes....

thanks again

emily