Paris quadrifolia

[shelagh]

My Paris quadrifolia has 2 large black seed heads.  The plant is beginning to die back now, any advice on what I should do with seeds because I'd like to try growing some more?

[Maggi Young]

If the stem still looks okay, is green , then leave them for a bit yet.  If the stem is going back too and the pods looks ripe then  take them off and sow the seed now. Then leave the seed pot out to take the weather....

[shelagh]

Thanks Maggi, will there just be the 2 seeds or do I have to open the seed heads?

[Maggi Young]

I'm no expert on this, Shelagh - see this thread
 http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2492.msg120661#msg120661

- much more likely to be of help to you!

[David Shaw]

We have successfully grown Paris quadrifolia from seed that we collected on holiday on a couple of occasions. The seed head is rather like that of a trillium so you will open it up and clean the seed, then sow as normal. I would leave the seed heads on the plant for as long as possible before harvesting. We have a number of seed heads this year so, hopefully, some seed for the exchange.

[shelagh]

Thank you Maggi that was a very interesting thread.

Thanks David, I will do as you advise.

[ichristie]

Hello, we have found Paris seed can often take 2 years to germinate even when sown fresh with a further wait of around 5 years until seedling flower. I have just collected Paris japonica which we have sown for the past 5 or 6 years one lot sown in 2009 germinated last year as did the ones sown in 2010 so do not throw away the seed pots. We have also found that some seedlings which were about 4 years old  that were moved to give them more room never showed a leaf for 2 years then came up again this year thank goodness all worth waiting for,  cheers Ian the Christie kind.

[ichristie]

Hi again, just collected the  Paris japonica seed heads which are the biggest we have had will sow some as soon as they ripen fully, live in hope,

[Martinr]

I followed this carefully, did exactly as I was told....now some wild miscreant has made off with the only berry 

[Maggi Young]

 

I followed this carefully, did exactly as I was told....now some wild miscreant has made off with the only berry 

Oh dear - that's tough 

[David Shaw]

I suppose that, as with trillium, ants could be partial to the sugars in the seedheads.

[Martinr]

It would take a very large ant to make off with the whole berry I suspect a feathered culprit.

[ichristie]

Hello Martin I would be happy to send you a berry Paris quadrifolia are not ripe yet even send a few of last years seedlings address please if you would like them, cheers Ian the Christie kind.

[Martinr]

Ian, that is most kind. I'll send you a PM