It looks like the alteration in cold stratification (see previous post) did not adversely affect germination of the rose seeds. Approximately 6 weeks after planting, 15% to 20% of the seeds have germinated. Over the next month, I expect that number to double, which will result in a normal germination rate for the season. Many of the seedlings are already working on their third true leaves. Rose buds usually start forming after the 5th or 6th true rose leaf has developed. Most of the new seedlings in the photos here involve Hulthemia crosses. I will post photos of them as they start to bloom over the next 4 to 6 weeks.
That is great news Jim!
ReplyDeleteBased on this, do you think just adding a spray of water inside the seal baggies might be a good alternative to also trial?
Hi George,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea! I think what I might do next year is to divide one of my larger crosses into at least 3 groups: one to wrap with paper towel; one to put in wadded up paper towel; and one to spray mist with water as you suggest. I had considered using just plain water in the past, but wondered if somehow the paper towels adsorbed some of the germination inhibitors (they always look like they have been stained by the rose seeds). If misting works as well, the whole job will be that much easier!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI can't remember who, but I am almost 100% certain that someone else on the RHA forum mentioned about the misting+baggies idea also.
I am planning to try it out in the next few days on achenes which I have already cold stratified for close to 8 weeks (by soaking them in refrigerated water-an unproven method!).
I thought I might remove these achenes from the water when their 8 weeks is up, and then instead of sowing them in the usual media, I might place them instead in sealed baggies misted with water, and see if germinations take place inside these baggies. If this works, it will eliminate things in the sowing media which might possibly artificially reduce the true germination % for that experiment(eg.fungus gnat larvae etc).
I really like the way you are trying to make the process of cold stratification easier.
Thanks for sharing your experiment and results, and best of luck for the remainder of the expected germinations!
Hi Jim
ReplyDeleteI have about 500 seeds of various roses for seeding. I started sowing in late June, and only got 10, what am I doing wrong?
Before sowing, bring in seeds in 40 degree water for 24 hours, I've done everything by the book, but I must have done something wrong, let me hear from you, with friendly Erik from Denmark
Hi Erik,
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that the rose seeds were not mature? Were they from hips from 2012, or from 2013? I am just now finishing up harvesting my rose hips from this year and will not plant the seeds until late December or early January. The hips take 3-4 months to mature. After shelling the seeds, I place them in zip-lock bags and lightly mist them with plain water. The seeds should be left in the refrigerator for 6-12 weeks. After the cold period the seeds will germinate better.
Please check out the Rose Hybridizer's Association Forum - http://www.rosebreeders.org/forum/list.php?2 . There is a lot of information and many RHA members who are willing to give additional advice.
Best wishes!
Hi Jim
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear from you. I bought 30 different seeds from China, and they shall be from 2012, and I ONLY have until now received 10 roses out of 500 seeds,
The seeds (be they just or worse) in the refrigerator for 6-12 weeks?
That's what I forgot to do. I have otherwise 200 seeds of Rainbow Roses. Do you know some really good places to shop online? I would like to buy more seeds of Roses, preferably 20-30 different Roses?
I am also by checking the links you have given me, thank you very much for your help, I would like to learn more about Roses. Sincerely, Eric Schmidt Andersen