Propagation

I got bored and started planting a couple of weeks ago, and in short order, now have some seedlings to watch!

Seeds came today, all 35 first picks-thanks seed ex

The question about Papaver kluanense got me thinking about a poppy that I've been intrigued by for years, but have never tried. That poppy is Arctomecon merriami, and Alan Bradshaw has seed available. He lists it as a zone 7 plant, but sometimes the zones listed are not really accurate. Anyone have any experience with it in the wild or in cultivation?

Happy New Year All!

Just looking for info on germinating Papaver kluanense. Deno's book doesn't have any info and a cursory search on the web doesn't reveal anything. Thanks for any info that is given!

Kind Regards,
James

As I receive or harvest seed I store it in my freezer until I sow or distribute it. A good deal of my experience has been with rhododendron seed that I find retains viability for a very long time: perhaps 5 or 6 years ... I find freezer storage is "dry" and I use no dessicator. Are there any comments on shelf life of "alpine" seed in general?? E.g., what expectations should I have re: say, Townsendia ... or Eriogonum ... or is this just too general an issue (putting aside the issue of "ephemeral" seed). Some comments?

We collected some Allium siskiyouense seed in southern Oregon last July. On the basis that Alliums are bulbs I duly planted the seed a month ago along with the rest of the bulb seed. Well, four weeks later, I am surprised to see a pot full of seedlings that, I assume, will require tender loving care over the winter. Is this rapid germination (with no stratification) common with all Allium seed? Would it have been better to plant them in January or would there have been lower germination in the Spring?

I would like to take cuttings of my Salix x boydii and was wondering if anyone has had a bit more experience with this Salix. The last time I took cuttings of it I only got one to grow (maybe that is all I can expect?). I don't know if I should take Hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings or what. I thought about taking some now and keeping them in my greenhouse in the misting system. Any recommendation's would be good. Thanks

It's seed collecting time for many of us, and I'm curious what to do with seed that have to be left out for the winter. Should I store it for a few months and then plant it and put the pots out in late fall, early winter, or can I simply pot up the seed now and put them out in their winter location?

Finally, after a couple of unsuccessful tries, T.okanaganense germinated for me and grew more sturdy throughout the summer in its pot. Previously, I had planted it outside, thinking it would winter over here. Should have realized that the BC Okanagan Valley is desert like - or so I have heard - and a lot warmer than here. And of course it just disappeared never to return. So this time, it stayed in its pot over summer but now seems to be "dying". Can anyone tell me is this just what it does in the winter - just die down - and then come up in the spring?

Does anyone have any tips for cleaning seed?