WOW - IT IS TRYING TO SEND YOU A CHIMERA BLOSSOM!

You can try to root a bloomstalk!

I will do that! I'm attempting to root a bunch of bloomstalks right now from various plants including Chimeras so this one can join the group.

Terri,. How is your bloomstalk project going. I am trying to do the same with my "The Alps". Some have died but some still look alive. Irina said it's a hard one to start from bloom stalks because the are pretty wimpy. As I look at some of my others that have started to bloom theirs are much more substantial so I think I will try them and see what they do.

I have limited experience with bloomstalks because I've never owned too many Chimeras. I did grow a plantlet of a non Chimera from a bloomstalk some time ago. I just wanted to see if I could do it and having found I could, decided to tackle a few Chimeras. This was partly due to a kind club member giving me bloomstalks from a number of her varieties. They have only been planted about ten days so its a little early to tell if any will survive. "The Alps" is one of them also and as you say, the stalks are pretty wimpy & I don't really expect it to survive.

I find this whole bloomstalk business quite interesting. I've been looking over my plants for thick bloomstalks with the largest possible leaflets. I think I will root a few of these just for fun. I might start with Apache Sunburst, probably the one plant I've had the most trouble rooting leaves. Maybe this method will be easier.

Terri

That is a beautiful plant ! Look at those blossoms ! Ruffles and all !!!!! Ok, on my list it goes ! Keep us updated on the bloomstalk rooting everyone ! Rosie

I planted several from my one plant about three weeks ago. There are about three leaflets still green and on funny looking nubbin which I don't know if it will unfurl into a leaf or not. Think I'll take a pair of tweezers and give a little tug on it and see if anything has a foothold tomorrow. Best wishes in your endeavors and keep us informed.

Question: If you plant a bloomstalk, do you cut the end at a slant and plant it about an inch deep? Just askin' . Rosie

Hi Rosie. I'm not an expert yet since I haven't had my first success yet! I followed violet barns instructions on their web site. Sounds like Terri has had some success for answering your good question and I hope to hear an answer from her too. I cut my stem about a quarter inch from where the green leaflets are, at a slant, and put a dab of rooting hormone on them, then pressed them into my soil up to the leaflets. I suspect the longer stem might give the cutting a little more substance for survival but I'm still in the experimental stage. Will share my findings when and if I have success but will now defer to someone else who has more experience.............Ken.

I like how we can all piece our experiences together so that we can all experience success. Sure helps with the learning curve! Ken

I cut the stems at various lengths, some short & some longer. . . perhaps an inch or so. I will see if it makes a difference. The fact I had success with the only one I tried does offer encouragement but I'm not expecting the majority of these to produce. I planted what was given to me & not all are going to be strong enough to make it.

Sounds like the same as cutting a leaf. I mean they are not all exact. Maybe one of these days I will try it. BUT it is interesting to gather info just to have on hand !!! And yes, I like everyone's input also ! Rosie

It seems to be a lot like leaf propagation but it seems to me that the leaf at least has some life going on in it that will keep things moving. When I press the flower stems into the soil they all but disappear - kinda fun to show my wife what I did and all she sees is dirt. The little green leaflets are so tiny on the ones that I did I think it will be a miracle if anything happens! Of course, if there are larger leaflets on the stem it might allow for some form of photosynthesis or something.

Ya know,,,,,the more this discussion progresses, I may have to try this rooting method just to see what happens for me !

Yep, I know, curiosity killed the "whatever" (don't want to offend anyone !) but the more I read the more I may try this ! Just dangle something in front of me,,,,! Rosie

I found this interesting :

http://violetvoice.blogspot.com/2010/08/bloomstalk-propagation.html

Thanks Leon ! Just finished reading it and it was very interesting. AND it gave me one more to add to my wish list lol !!!!!!! Rosie

Gosh....your wish list is growing and growing and......

Weeeeeeell, yeaaaaaaah, but I guess that is why we call it a "WISH List" !! lol Rosie

Well I delved into my bloom stalk experiment and everything was kind of shriveled up under the soil surface with my "the alps" cuttings. I am officially calling my personal experiment a failure. Will try again and look forward to hearing about your successes. Larger leaflets are important and perhaps a longer stem. That's what I learned. Peduncle on!!!

Sorry your experiment failed. But, since you cut the stem and bury it up to the little leaflets, how long should you leave the stem? An inch? 1/2 an inch? Rosie

Mine was only about 1/4 inch. I will try 1/2 and 1 inch next time.

Has anyone tried to root some bloomstalks in water ?

I just checked out the Violet Barn website. I couldn't find any instructions pertaining to propagation of bloomstalks.

Leon, under Plant Care, go to Lessons. There is one on Propagation by Blossom Stems. Is that what you are looking for? I didn't try with the first bloom cycle of my chimera, but I might try it next time.

Meg

Yes, that's what I was looking for. Thanks.

Question for someone who has been successful rooting bloomstalks.

1) Does the bloomstalk put down roots from the cut end that is about 1/2 inch UNDER the soil OR from the base of the little leaves that are slightly touching the top of the soil?

2) Does the little baby grow from the roots UNDER the soil OR from the base of the little leaves that are slightly touching the top of the soil?

I know the questions are picky, but I am just trying to understand the source of the babies. Does anyone know???? thanks!

Ken, it didn't hit me when I read your initial post, but looking at the actual measure of 1/4 inch, I agree that you may be better off trying a little longer stem. 3/8" at the very least comes to mind. I mean your plant, your call but if I try this I think I will do no less than 3/8" and no more than 1/2". Is there really a prime length to cut these bloomstalks? Rosie