A few A perennis seed germinating - question

9 years ago

While checking moisture in my winter sown containers, I noticed a couple of seeds resting on top of the potting mix and nothing do, I just HAD to recover them. Once I shifted them, I can see a white growth. I'm guessing it is a young root. There is no indication of anything else, just this white string coming from the seed. Does the young root emerge before the top growth and if so, how should I place this seed in the potting mix? I hate that I've handled these two seed. Why can't I keep my fingers out of the containers. :-) I just can't leave well enough alone!

As many seed as I've started, you'd think I'd know this but I don't.

Should I put the white 'root' down, just lay the seed on it's side and lightly cover it or ?

I am seeing so many things beginning to spout and it's way too early in my area. Young leaves sprouting on the Butterfly bush and fennel putting up young growth. Our last avg frost date is late March. Afraid in-ground plants are really going to be set back this season.

My thanks for any suggestions regarding the handling of my little seeds, Mary

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

dbarron
9 years ago
My A. variegata also have root radicles going in (I noticed two days ago)...I think it's the season...and just leave them alone!

The only thing I might do is a VERY thin layer of soil over the top of the seed (slight mound)...but for the most part, the plants know what they're doing...trust them!

And yes, my crinum was throwing out green leaves three days ago, and we got into the 20s night before last...I need to go see what (if any) damage. Last year, I had passionflowers that were more than a foot long in February (which didn't get hurt at all).
Mary Leek thanked dbarron
Mary Leek
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you for your reply. It looks like I didn't harm the germinating seed as one is now putting up green and I can still see the other germinating seed appears to be maintaining healthy tissue, no green yet showing on this one, though.

Noticed another A perennis seed that has germinated in a different winter sown container so perhaps I'll have at least three new plants for the coming year. I've just fallen in love with these little milkweeds and hope to get several more new plants established this year.

No more touching anything in my winter sown containers! :-)

Mary
Related Professionals
Sioux City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Medford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · York Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Emporia Landscape Contractors · Cumberland Landscape Contractors · Bartlesville Landscape Contractors · Barnstable Landscape Contractors · Portsmouth Landscape Contractors · Oneonta Landscape Contractors · Lake Havasu City Landscape Contractors · Concord Landscape Contractors · Carson City Landscape Contractors · Kalispell Landscape Contractors · Sault Ste. Marie Cabinets & Cabinetry · Pocatello Cabinets & Cabinetry
dbarron
9 years ago
Yep, so where's my seed of them Mary ? :)
dbarron
9 years ago
I know you know this Mary...but just for the record, they're growing vigorously after a short 30 day chilling period and about two weeks to germinate. They have two sets of true leaves now and a few are starting on their third. Transplanting time draws nigh...but I've had enough transplanting today I think.
Mary Leek
Original Author
9 years ago
Danny, I am so happy to hear the seedlings are growing well for you. I think you're going to love this little milkweed. Like you, I've yet to get my A perennis seedlings planted.

I currently have 27 Monarch cats in various stages of growth and I'm using the tops of the A perennis for food. Because I'm so late getting them in the ground, they are getting lanky. I would pinch them back regardless but this couldn't have happened at a better time! :-) I have a lot of new tropical mw but the plants were only started last fall and don't have much growth on them as they overwintered in a very cool gh. I did manage to get them into the ground this spring but it will take a couple of weeks before they take hold and begin to grow. I may have to use all of it for food as these cats are really chowing down. In the meantime, I have more tropical seed planted, hoping it will help during the fall migration.

Mary