Codonopsis seeds

Ericaheather

Hi all, when would be the best time to plant codonopsis seeds please? They are grey wilsonii. Also any tips/advice you have on this plant would be welcomed. I've read it's best grown through shrubs but would I need to? Would it cope on a trellis? 
Thank you

nutcutlet

I've germinated that one from an Autumn sowing, cold. I've found Codonopsis generally easy to germinate but tricky to keep alive in the garden. they don't climb as such, more sprawl, and don't like a lot of sun.

Ericaheather

Thanks @nutcutlet. Are the flowers worth the effort? They look a bit dull in colour online

nutcutlet

Some are quite interesting and attractive but more 'collector's items' than impressive garden plants

Ericaheather

Ok thanks, I'll give it a go. Thanks for the help

Dovefromabove

I have a couple of codonopsis (thank you @nutcutlet)in pots ... in summer they live on a table on the terrace where the flowers can be seen so much better than if they were lower in a mixed bed. 

nutcutlet

Dovefromabove said:

I have a couple of codonopsis (thank you @nutcutlet)in pots ... in summer they live on a table on the terrace where the flowers can be seen so much better than if they were lower in a mixed bed. 

yours are probably doing better than mine @Dovefromabove

Dovefromabove

They’ve not done so well this year ... think they need repotting 🙄 most years they get repotted into a fresh mix of JI3 and homemade compost with a bit of grit ... but somehow it didn’t happen this year and they’ve definitely complained about it 😉 

Ericaheather

Thanks both

Ericaheather

Thanks both