Just received some seeds from Jelitto (Penstemon cyananthus, mensarum and pinifolius). Does anyone have advice on sowing/germination techniques? Jelitto's guide suggests all benefit from sowing at no more than 5 C, with germination taking place irregularly over a long period. I also picked up Gentiana sino-ornata and "Viola coreana Syletta", which are both listed as rapid germinators, without stratification needs. If anyone has experience germinating the Penstemons and Gentian, I'd be in your debt.
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Re: Seeding Advice for Penstemons
We have good germination of Gentiana sinoornata here by sowing in late winter and leaving the trays outside in the elements and watering if required . The temperature range would be -10C to 20C . I realise its colder at your place but it may still work . The seed is covered in their trays by a thin layer of small stone chips .
I really hope the gentian seed germinates for you because we supply that species to Jelitto
Re: Seeding Advice for Penstemons
I use the vernalization method. Here is the link to the American Penstemon Society's sight they have a section about propagation.
I've only germinated a couple of Penstemons, so no big insights here- I know Alplains list bazillions of them, and some he has as warm germinators, and others needing cold stratification of various length- you could compare your species to his list as one check..