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Cerinthe seeds

Why aren't my Cerinthe seeds germinating? Fresh seed (well, collected last autumn), sown over a month ago, cold greenhouse. Of 24 seeds only ONE has come up. I'm using ordinary potting compost.  The seem to germinate freely in the garden, but none of the seedlings I transplanted to where I wanted them last autumn survived (I blame slugs). Any suggestions/ recommendations?

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,060

    Probably not warm enough to germinate, are you giving then a constant 21c you could try bringing them indoors on a warm window sill.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,350

    Some people recommend soaking them first.

    I usually sow fresh and they germinate quickly. I only have a cold GH and if we got a proper winter they might fail, but they're very nearly hardy. The self sets in the garden mostly survive and if they don't, more will germinate. I've got a good crop this yearimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,060

    I have never got any to germinate in the garden. Always sown indoors.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,350

    I've never sown any in the garden Lyn, It's DIYimage

    The first lot I had, years ago, just 6 seeds from a friend, germinated very quickly in a pot and everything is descended from those



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,060

    That's what I mean Nut, they drop thousands of seeds, never to be seen again, so I pick them up and start off next spring indoors.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,350

    I wonder why that is Lynimage

    Plants do as they like though don't theyimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • I'll try bringing them inside and making room on the windowsill propagator. Thanks all.

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