Hi Deanna,

The only thing I've used BAP for was to drop into the bracts to induce proliferations. I have more daylilies than I have space now, so don't do that any more.

Soaking seeds in a mixture of 1/2 gallon of distilled water to 6 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide has worked well for me. I do think by putting the seeds in this solution in the refrigerator for two weeks first definitely helps speed up the germination process. It is imperative when you remove them from the fridge that you place the container with the soaking seeds in absolute darkness, and it would help if it is in a warm place. Beginning on the 4th day, start checking them for germination. Changing the solution often helps prevent seeds from rotting.

Several years ago, a long-time local daylily grower told me to dry the seeds after harvest for 4 days, and then plant them. I had very high germination rates when I did that. (I still soaked them, though, as above.) I had forgotten about that advice and did not do that this year. I did not have the germination rates to match those of when I followed his advice. Starting seedlings this quick after harvest gave the seedlings a lot more time to mature before cold weather arrived, and their growth rate was phenomenal. At least half were blooming by the following spring.

Because I have very few dormants, storing freshly harvested seeds in the refrigerator for six weeks before starting them does not apply generally to my situation. I did that this year, and it did not improve germination rates.

I won't be making as many crosses this next spring, and what I do make will be highly selective. I just don't have the space to add any more daylilies without getting rid of some. Next year I plan to start seeds right after harvest, as he suggested above. This year, I had just forgotten about his advice after going through the mess of a major move to a new home.

Nancy

What's BAP?

BAP is a something like a synthetic plant growth hormone that will cause daylilies to increase faster. A drop or two in the bract of the scape will increase the number of proliferations to occur. I've never heard of using it to promote germination of seeds. I think Gibberellic Acid would be better suited for that. You can go to the AHS site and search for BAP. There should be information on the chemical make-up if that's what you want to know.
Ed

Thanks Ed. I'll check it out.