Propagating Syringa vulgaris from seed

pbff

Hi everyone,

My friend has given me some Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) seeds for me to try to germinate for her.

I am aware that, apart from raising plants for use as rootstocks commercially, Syringa are rarely propagated from seed and are usually layered or grafted instead.

After doing a bit of research, it seems that the most success comes by soaking the seed in water for 24 hours, followed by cold stratification for 60 days before sowing.

Does anyone have any experience with Syringa seed?

If so, I would be most glad of any advice.

Thanks

pbff

Last edited: 12 October 2016 17:40:05

nutcutlet

I occasionally get self seeded ones in the garden. I wouldn't mess about with soaking and artificial stratification. I'd sow it now in gritty compost and leave it outside, it should germinate in spring.

What you get will not be predictable. They're grown from cuttings/graftings/layerings because that way you get a plant the same as the parent

pbff

Thank you, nutcutlet!

I will try that and hope for success in the spring.

She has also given me some Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) and Hoya seeds.

I have grown grasses from seed before, so am fairly confident about them, but I haven't much of an idea about the Hoya.

The packet label states rather ambiguously 'Hoya Mixed'

Any ideas?

Thanks

pbff

nutcutlet

no idea at all pbff, I only grow hardy plants. I should think they'd need some heat