Colchicum sp.

Submitted by Lockwood on Mon, 03/19/2012 - 22:27

I received see of Colchicum sp. from the surplus exchange.

Any recommendations on sowing instructions. Most information I've found refers to fresh seed. Since the seed isn't fresh, should I wait until fall and sow outdoors?

Thank you,
Julie

Comments


Submitted by RickR on Tue, 03/20/2012 - 08:28

I think I also have the same NARGS selection (#693).  According to my internet search, I decide the best all-around germination practice for Colchicum spp. is warm-cold-warm.  So I planted mine.  In 1-1.5 months, I'll put them in the fridge for a month, then take them out and see what happens. 

Love to hear others' suggestions, though...


Submitted by Lockwood on Tue, 03/20/2012 - 09:10

Hi Rick,

Did you soak them or flush in the back of a toilet first? 

If I do the toilet flush and any of my family sees it, they'll really think I've gone bonkers.  But if it works, I'm willing to try.


Submitted by RickR on Tue, 03/20/2012 - 19:21

Lockwood wrote:

Hi Rick,

Did you soak them or flush in the back of a toilet first? 

No.  I guess I didn't come across that advice.  But it's a pretty good bet that you'd get away with it unbeknownst to you family members.  ;D


Submitted by Lockwood on Tue, 03/20/2012 - 21:01

Well I have them in a nylon footie hanging in the toilet tank.  They probably won't notice and I'm not going to say anything.  ;D


Submitted by Fermi on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 20:53

Lockwood wrote:

Well I have them in a nylon footie hanging in the toilet tank.  They probably won't notice and I'm not going to say anything.  ;D

Hi Julie,
I've heard of that technique being used with seed of Iris missouriensis [to help remove germination-inhibitors] but I've never tried it myself.
I usually sow Colchicum seed in the autumn and let it go through that warm-cold-warm sequence naturally but I guess Rick's method would save some time.
cheers
fermi


Submitted by Diane Whitehead on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 11:41

Be very patient.  I no longer bother with colchicum seeds as they often take so long to germinate, and then there is the wait till they flower.  

Well, I've just checked my seed database, and they are not all slow.  C pusillum took only two years,  C. corsicum four years, but  autumnale took eight years, and I didn't note when  C bornmuelleri, sown in 2000, germinated, but it was in 2009 or later, and there is a wee green leaf in the pot now.

Diane Whitehead

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

cool mediterranean climate

 

 


Submitted by Lockwood on Mon, 01/25/2016 - 12:46

Update on Colchicum sp. NARGS 2012 #693. As of today, I have 3 bulbs/corms. Hoping to see them flower this fall!

A big Thank You to whomever donated the seed. smiley


[quote=RickR]

When did your first sprouts emerge?

[/quote]

I'm pretty sure it was 2014.