Foolproof way please!!

This year was a complete failure in regards to my Cleome sowings. I have had success in the past but rather hit and miss and not in great quantities. Can anyone shed some light as to what needs to be done please. I have tried fluctuating temps. Thanks

 

I find them hit and miss, I always buy fresh seed now its just easier, I always get germination with fresh seeds but old seeds don't or very erratic

 

Yep Cleome are temperamental...best year I've had for them this year though ..had them in the Prop early March,took them out overnight as the nights were bitter cold.Fluctuating temps are the the key..

 

Sorry just seen your post @lolimac , I do exactly what you do too but still got nothing.

 

Hi Upsy...My Purple Queen were successful but forgot to mention that even using same germination methods White Queen they were a failure..

 

So strange......and annoying isn't it. All the hard work put into providing them with fluctuating temps and still not one single little seedling!!! Not to be defeated I will try again next year.

 

If you need any Purple Queen seed let me know.

 

Please excuse my ignorance here. I only ever grew Cleome once, in the garden I was employed in. I sowed the seed directly into the open ground. I can't say I was impressed by the flowers but germination must have been very high.

With respects to members here expressing difficulties growing them, I'm concerned. As far as I am aware. Cleome is an annual that freely self-seeds. I honestly have no understanding regarding fluctuating temps as mentioned. Please enlighten me.

 

I just collect seed and store it in the shed over the winter. Sow on top of a free draining loose mix (50/50 mpc and perlite) mid April on and off we go - weed like germination.
Avoid sowing too early and avoid cold nights once germinated. Cold nights at best stall the seedlings and often as not they never really get going as they should afterwards. Plant out at least a metre apart to avoid thin plants. this is just two plants............
Cleome hassleriana by longk48, on Flickr

I've bought seed for the white form and had naff all luck with them as well. Yet I find saved seed perfectly viable for 4 years or more so not sure what sort of rubbish they're flogging really.

 

Hiya @Mike Allen ...After many unsuccessful sowings I did what it said on the packet (Re Fluctuating temps) and for once it worked.. I don't have much luck with self sown plants,if it's not the soggy winters it's my chooks that make a meal of them so all of my sowings of any plants are done 'out of bounds' until they get past that young juicy stage then they stand a better chance.