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Fritillaria Imperialis

Janie BJanie B Posts: 865
in Plants
Saw some of these magnificent flowers (planted up in pots with muscari) this spring, and would like to have some for next year. The bulbs are pretty pricey... was wondering if anyone has grown these from seed? How easy is it? (I'm a newcomer to seed-sowing, but am finding it strangely addictive...!)

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724
    It’ll take several years for a plant grown from seed to form a bulb large enough to have enough energy to produce flowers. 
    That’s why the bulbs cost what they do. 
    You should be able to get 3 large bulbs for under a tenner in September.
    Plant those together in a decent sized pot and they’ll give you a good display and come back year after year so not really that expensive in the grand scheme of things. 😊 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 865
    Ok, thanks for that @Dovefromabove. I’ll take your advice and buy some bulbs later. Must admit, I hadn’t realised it would take that long for the seed to produce a flower!
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724
    Think that’s your best option. 

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/grow-bulbs-from-seeds.htm
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • oooftoooft Posts: 191
    I bought bulbs from The Range last year. They came in a pack of 3 and I'm pretty sure I got 2 packs for a fiver. Too late for this year but you could check in the autumn 
  • Loraine3Loraine3 Posts: 558
    And remember to plant the bulbs on their side to prevent water collecting in the top a
    of the bulb.
  • Ryan180680Ryan180680 Posts: 189
    Janie B said:
    Saw some of these magnificent flowers (planted up in pots with muscari) this spring, and would like to have some for next year. The bulbs are pretty pricey... was wondering if anyone has grown these from seed? How easy is it? (I'm a newcomer to seed-sowing, but am finding it strangely addictive...!)
    Wilkos sell these in the autumn for a reasonable price. I got some last year and grew them this year and they were amazing. First year of growing them and now they're past their best so do I let them die down themselves or do I need to cut them back? 
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 865
    @Ryan180680 I would guess you’d let them die back naturally so they can store any goodness in the bulbs. So glad you say they were amazing, I thought that when I saw some! 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724
    Janie B said:
    @Ryan180680 I would guess you’d let them die back naturally so they can store any goodness in the bulbs. So glad you say they were amazing, I thought that when I saw some! 
    That’s what I’ve always done ... always seemed to work 😊 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







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