Tropaeolum speciosum

[Rothera85]

I purchased some seeds some time ago which were sold as Tropaeolum speciosum, a couple of them have succeeded but obviously I can't identify them as yet.

I have attached 2 photos of the seedling which are about 7cm at the moment.

Is it possible for you to confirm, or otherwise, their identity?

Regards,

Andy

[Maggi Young]

Hi Andy - not sure what that is  - but it is certainly not Trop. speciosum, I'm afraid.

[François Lambert]

indeed, makes me think of heather or another ericacea.

[Jupiter]

I can also confirm that it is not Tropaeolum. T. speciosum is a difficult species from seed, pull those weeds out and wait. It may still germinate.

[Tristan_He]

Yes, I'd agree almost certainly heather. That looks like a very peaty seed compost, I hope the seeds haven't rotted.

My mother gave me some T. speciosum seed a couple of years ago. They looked pretty unripe so I didn't hold out much hope. But one has come up this spring. It looks very like a miniature version of the adult plant - a slender shoot with tiny 5-lobed leaves. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

[Rothera85]

Hi Tristan and others (I'm not sure if I should reply to each individual?)

Thanks for getting back to me so promptly, I saw your comment about the very peaty nature of the soil? what should I be planting the seeds in to help them germinate?

Cheers,

Andy

[Tristan_He]

Hi, sorry for the really slow reply on this, have been very busy lately!

Anyway, below is a photo of my T. speciosum seedlings. They are in my normal seedling mix which I use for practically everything - that is to say normal seed compost from the garden centre, mixed with a liberal quantity of perlite for drainage (I use this as it is inert and cheap). I usually chuck some pure perlite at the bottom of the pot, then fill to about 3/4 with the compost/perlite mix, then a layer of perlite, then seed and finally another layer of perlite to cover the seed, depth depending on the size of the seeds and whether they need light to germinate. For smaller seeds I crush the perlite somewhat. This method seems to work pretty well for most things. If you are lucky enough to be able to source a good lime free grit this is also very good.