Tropaeolum azureum

[Rogan]

Tropaeolum azureum, tsk, tsk! Does anybody know how to germinate it? I have tried on numerous occasions but to no avail  Despite all my best efforts, not once has anything appeared above ground level to spur me on. I have germinated just about everything else with different degrees of success, giant arums from Sumatra, blue amaryllis from Brazil, pitcher plants from tropical jungles, but this one continues to frustrate me to this day.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Carlo]

Fresh seed Rogan? I don't grow it myself but some of the information sources I rely on stress the importance  of it. (Ironically, others say that dried seed can be soaked to help it along--suggesting that fresh seed isn't necessary).

The only authority to address T. azureum directly is Norm Deno, who suggests that they germinate best when started warm and shifted to cool (4 weeks or so at 70F and then to 40F), with germination starting 3-4 weeks after the shift to cool temperatures.

[Ian Y]

Rogan and Carlo I cannot agree on the importance of fresh seed. I do grow it and have since 1989 I have collected seeds every year and tried everything to get a good and regular germination but the seeds have a mind of their own.
I have tried collecting the seed green as well as sowing it fresh but cannot get consistent results.
Two years ago I got the best germination I have had when 20 seeds germinated in one pot - I had done nothing different. Most years I am lucky if I get 1 or two seedlings from about 100 seeds. I have tried freezing heating, smoking everything without any success. I should mention that I sow the seeds deeply, half way down the pot.
I have germinated old seed stored for two years as well so it does remain viable for a long time.
Sorry I cannot give you the magic formula Rogan, I only wish I knew it, all I can say is keep trying and one day - you may hit lucky.

[Rafa]

Same problem to me, I will try this year with GA3

[Lesley Cox]

I've tried from AGS and SRGS seed half a dozen times and never had more than a single seed germinate from any batch (usually 3 or 4 seeds). All that DID come up grew for a year until their dying down time then failed to reappear, except for the most recent attempt which is now in bud for the third year in a row. One of those really beautiful but frustrating things.

[Paul T]

Ah, another of those holy grail plants.  Maybe one day I'll get it.  At a local nursery yesterday I noted that they were selling large pots of T. tricolor (I already grow this), T. pentaphyllum and a yellow which I've forgotten teh name of, all in full flower.  At $40.00 each I was still tempted, particularly with the yellow.  Now if there had been an azureum in there...... would have grabbed it in an instant!! 

[Andrew]

I have tried ... smoking everything without any success.

I think most people have tried smoking !

How does that help with seed growing ? 

[Rogan]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll keep on trying!