Hybridizing Snowdrops 2012

[Rick Goodenough]

Thanks John, I will definitely add Cyclamen pupurascens to my next seed order...If they like it here I should have a pretty good number in a few years with all the seed I am growing...great fun. And speaking of seed, I have some wild collected seed labeled, Galanthus caucasicus, from Greece that Melvyn Jope kindly let me try.  It was around mid June when I got them and I have kept an eye on, and misted the pot to keep it slightly moist since that time. It has been in my cool garage for two months and I am wondering if I might get them going if I bring them into my grow room which is quite a bit warmer and has banks of lights? Any suggestions are welcomed. Rick

[Melvyn Jope]

Hello Rick, the Galanthus seed that I sent you was G.graecus, still regarded by some as G.elwesii. I hope they eventually germinate for you but it is too early to be concerned yet. Mine from the same collection have yet to germinate.

[Rick Goodenough]

Melvyn, I will not give up, no way.  Thank you on the name correction, the tag is updated properly now. Would you leave in very cool conditions for the winter, about 2C to 7C, or move to warmer and under lights at about 15C?

[johnw]

Rick - I got "caucasicus from Potterton & Martin back in the early 90's.  It is not caucasicus, it is the last Galanthus to emerge in the ghouse, long after the rest.  I have no idea what it is, picture of them attached.

Some of my G. seed sprouted a few weeks ago, others nothing. They are now in the frame so hopefully with today's plunging temps they have given up any oidea of sprouting now.

Aside from even moisture do we know exactly what the warm/cold requirements are of G. seed?  We should have a survey of forumists' experiece to see if anything can be gleaned.

johnw

[partisangardener]

I had relative slow germination with little temperature variation inside. Faster with the pots outside in the ground.
Both the same year before the first frost.
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=11117.0