Eranthis seed preservation

[Regelian]

I was collecting seed from Eranthis hyemalis today and wondered if there is any special treatment for keeping the seed (seed exchange)?  Do I just dry it and pop it into an envelope or must it be refrigerated fresh? 

[Rodger Whitlock]

If it's for your own sowing, sow it now.

If it's for others (say, through one of the wintertime exchanges or you are selling it), I would advise refrigeration.

However, my stock of the orange-ish Eranthis hyemalis came from dry seed that I doubt had been refrigerated.

[Paul T]

I have germinated 18 month old Eranthis seed that was sitting in an envelope lost on my desk.  Not good germination, but germination none-the-less.  I mention this only in that according to the books there is no way ANY of this should have germinated, and yet it did.

Congrats on your orange-ish Eranthis Rodger.  How orange actually IS it?

[Regelian]

Thanks, Roger, Paul,

I was planning on giving it away or to an exchange.  I certainly have enough plants at this point.  It more than likes my garden conditions and I rather like it, too!   I'll refrigerate it to help conserve it, then.

[David Pilling]

Deno in his classic book on seed germination has a lot to say about Eranthis. From memory his comment is that all dried seed is dead, meaning all seed for sale, and that as a result of his experiments seed should be preserved damp at ambient Summer temperatures.

However I once bought some seed which germinated very well, and I would guess it had been stored dry.

I always wonder if there's a middle way - actual moist storage of seed is problematic, it can germinate or grow fungus (see some of Kristl Walek's postings on here). However does one have to dry it to 0% humidity - why not fairly dry and then in a plastic bag to stop further drying.

[Rodger Whitlock]

Congrats on your orange-ish Eranthis Rodger.  How orange actually IS it?

The best description is "like the beaten yolk of a free-range egg."

The original seed came from one of the exchanges ca. 20 years ago as Eranthis hyemalis aurantiaca. After languishing in a pot for several years, the six seedlings were planted out and rapidly reached flowering.

They were planted close to the ordinary form and soon orange-ish seedlings started turning up scattered among the yellows—in simplistic Mendelian terms, the gene for the orange coloration is definitely dominant.

Over the last few years, I've gradually segregated the orange flowered plants in two beds, well away from the usual yellow, with the idea of being able to collect seed that is definitely from them. I expect that all three stands (1 yellow, 2 orange) will continue to throw seedlings of the other color more or less indefinitely due to mixing of the gene pools.

I wouldn't want to be without the harsh greenish-yellow of everyday Eranthis hyemalis, but I find that the orange-ish form certainly holds its own in the garden and makes a pleasant sight. If I had to pick just one to grow, I'd likely go for the orange-ish one.

Attached is a photo showing, at the top, the orange-ish form, on the lower right 'Moonlight', and on the lower left the type form. This photo has pretty good color fidelity and will probably give you a better idea than mere words.

[Paul T]

Thanks Roger.  I grow aurantiaca myself, but I don't think mine is that orange.  The pale 'Moonglow' looks pretty cool too.  I just grow the normal, aurantiaca, and 'Guinea Gold' (not flowered it yet) here as the named varieties in general haven't made it to Aus as yet.  Good to see your comparison pic for future info if needed.  There's never enough comparison pics like that..... they are invaluable in trying to work out whether you actually have the right thing.

Thanks again.