Tropaeolum 2011

[meanie]

My answer was more along the lines of effort versus reward really.
However, one thought does occur to me - could Mark and myself grow this on this year in a pot so as to keep the tuber for next year?

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

Meanie,
Tr PEREGRINUM is an annual and -to my knowledge-produces no tuber. I haven't tried cuttings for over wintering and maybe the plant could be kept frost free in a glasshouse just like Tr MAJUS ( but usually cuttings or re-sowing new seeds are the 2 alternatives for the latter ). I haven't tried so can't say anything about this.

J-P

[meanie]

J-P
I too have only ever grown these and have less knowledge than you, so thanks for your response. I may sow late in the season and keep as a small plant under glass for the winter just to see if this offers a worthwhile head start or not.

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

Hello,
Things are evolving little by little at Lyon's BG. Here's a pic of tropaeolum POLYPHYLLUM planted last summer in the alpine garden. This is the first year for it and we can't rival with Jozef's extraordinary display.
Many thanks to Rosemary WILSON ( UK ) who kindly provided the ( big ) tuber.
J-P

[fleurbleue]

Well done Jean Patrick 

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

This is Tropaeolum INCISUM the 2nd Andean species planted in the alpine garden at LYON's BG. It also flowered there for the first time.
Many different colour forms are described for this species ( white, red, salmon, yellow, and bicolours ).

[PeterT]

Do populations of T incisum have mixed colours, or all one colour?

[Lesley Cox]

This one flowers for me (a sort of buff-apricot colour) but T. polyphyllum never has. Both raised from the same Watson seed, maybe 1988 or thereabouts.

[Regelian]

Well, I'm chuffed.  I finally managed to raise a Tropaeolum from seed and get it to bloom.  A shot of my T. smithii, which I now have in the rockery.

[PeterT]

Congratulations Jaime

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

Hi Everybody,
John & Anita WATSON have written an in-depth article about Tropaeolum section Chilensia ( tuberous species ). It has been published in HERBERTIA, journal of the international bulb society.
The references:
HERBERTIA volume 64 ( 2010 )
ISSN 1559-8772

I've also found the details of the international bulb society ( USA ):
P.O. Box 336
Sanger
CA 93657
USA
http://www.bulbsociety.org. 

This is a far more complete study than the one they published in the CURTIS's Botanical Magazine. I think many Botanic gardens may receive the HERBERTIA publication ( LYON's BG got it ). So it could be browsed through by any enthusiast before ordering. This is really a MUST have. The NEW definite bible on the genus!!!

J-P

[Jupiter]

Thank you very much for this info J-P. I'm trying to track down a copy now. Not having much luck! Let me know if you know how to buy volume 64.

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

Hi,
Has anybody had germination with Tr ARGENTINUM this year? I'm still waiting...despite many seeds sown at different times of year and in various conditions.
Thanks for posting any results ( successes and failures ) and the sowing conditions ( and delay ) for germination.
Many thanks in advance.
J-P

[Jupiter]

I have a question regarding fertilising (applying nutrients to) Tropaeolum.

Remembering I'm in the Southern Hemisphere; I have started some T. azureum from seed again this year and they are growing nicely, already producing flower buds, although the plants are quite small. I would like to do all I can to encourage the developing tubers to a size that will sustain the plants through dormancy - problematic for me here in this climate. Do you think a little half strength soluble fertiliser, such as Nitrosol or Aquasol would hurt or help?

Any tips greatly appreciated.

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

At last!!!
Pictures of Tr TUBEROSUM ssp Ken Aslet grown at LYON's BG. The plant is quite "humble" but was grown in a pot. A few flowers only but I bet next year's blooming will be more generous...