Cineraria Problems

I try to grow Cineraria(the flowering type) every year by seed but I only ever get a couple of seeds that germinate. I do every thing by the book but they never come up like they should.
Can any one give me some tips on how to make them germinate more successfully?

 

don't try.. I know this sounds bizarre, but here down the road in Heswall they spring up naturally, they are perennials and will stay evergreen growing more vigorous each year.. but given they do have a propensity to self seed.. I'd say try to germinate them in a very sandy, gritty mixture.

 

I wish they would self seed around here in Chester. I struggle every year.

 

I think you are getting the plants mixed up with the ones I mean. If you look at my first post it mentions in brackets (the flowering type). The name I have since found out is Cineraria Cruentus. The Silver Dust Cineraria has now been renamed Senecio cineraria. I'll put a picture on here of the type I'm referring to.

 

Ah yes I see.. though the Silver Dust types flower too.

Yes I have grown this.. a true annual I think.. I don't have much idea about germinating though unfortunately. Nice plants though.

 

Hi Savant,

I know the ones you mean, these are the annual version of the type now known as Pericallis ( a half hardy perennial).

A couple of questions,
A) Have you sown them yet, it's a bit too early they're best sown between June and August.
B) Do you cover the seeds, they should be sown on the surface of the compost as they need light to germinate.

 

No I haven't sown them yet. I usually wait until the end of August before sowing and I look at all the possible ways that the web can throw at me for instructions. Officially they are recognised as a house plant and I keep them in the conservatory. Last year I got three pots of flowers out of approx 35 seeds. I will try and beat my record this year.
It seems weird that they prefer to grow in shade but need a lot of light to germinate

 

Hi Savant, it's not so much the shade they need as coolness, cool with bright ( but not direct sun) light.