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!