Lachenalia germination

[Robert G]

Hi there,

I was curious about Lachenalia germination...mine aren't. Everything I read suggests that they are relatively easy with quick germination. The seed was sown in late Septemter. As I write this I realized one factor I did not consider was temperature. They grow cool, but will they germinate a room temperature? It may be a little warm where there are. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Robert

[Ezeiza]

They are easy if the seed is alive but germination is not quick, they take their time. A good range of temperatures for their winter is 4C/13-15C.

[Darren]

I think your room is too warm Robert. I find they like to have cool temps with a difference between night and day. Might be too late in your part of the world to put them outside though - this is what I usually do.

[fleurbleue]

I have sown Lachenalia orchidoides fresh seeds on 14th September and they have pushed up two weeks ago. They are in a cold frame almost frost free in winter and we have already had temperatures near 0° during few nights.

[Ezeiza]

On the plus side, properly stored (dry, that is), Lachenalia seed yields good germnation ten years old or more.

[ArnoldT]

I think Darren hit it.

A wide variation in temps is the key to good germination.

[Robert G]

Thank you everyone for your advice/input. The seeds are already in a cooler location.

Arnold, you mentioned variation in temperature. Do you put your seeds outside in the fall? The reason I ask is you are not that much warmer than here. I am thinking next year I will put others out in autumn, but before frost. I have found great success with hardy material in early spring doing the same.

Robert

[Lesley Cox]

I see Robert that you are interested in trees. There is an almost new Tree ID thread. Could you have a look there please and see if anything rings a bell? I really want to know what the little tree is which does seem to belong to the hazel family, Hammam..... you know!

[ArnoldT]

Robert:

My Lachenalia seeds are sitting in a frost free greenhouse.  Temps get as low as 44 F and with warm days right now it gets up to 65 F