Here is the seedgerminationprobl forum.

It takes me so long to get anything planted, even though I have my supplies gathered when I am ready to work. I have to refer to my printed matter to check if the seeds get covered or not. I do my mini-blind ID tags ahead of time, but until I know how many containers I will be sowing of each specific seed, I can't write out the tags using the paint pen. Until I open the seed pkt. I have no idea what size the seeds are and until I start sowing, I don't know how far the seeds will go. This is my first year trying WS and I'm sure I will have a lot of HOS..then there's the taping the jugs process, which by the way is faster since I am now using the heat/ac foil tape. I can't write the names/date sown on the jugs until I know how many of each seed variety I will be sowing. Did all of you feel overwhelmed when you first started? I only sowed 2 pkts. Brilliant Red oriental poppy seeds last night, using 6(1/2 gal)milk jugs. Didn't really time myself but it seemed like it took quite a while. Now I've run out of milk jugs, so will start planting in 4 in. pots that will be placed inside a clear, Sterlite container that will have holes in lid and bottom for drainage, air circulation and moisture. First of all, I need to go buy more MG potting mix and while I'm at HD, will buy a bag of fine grade vermitculite to sprinkle on top.

I kind of enjoy playing with my seeds and dirt, and usually don't even start sowing unless I have adequate time. I don't want to feel rushed. And I sow in my ugly old unfinished basement, not used for anything else except laundry, so I can just stop and leave my mess spread out everywhere.

Karen

Karen, you once told me to put the tiny Lobia Cardenalis directly in the ground, and now I believe you. The tiny ones that I planted into pots, have all been eaten, or something, because they are no more. I still have some in the gal. jug, that I winter sowed in, and I would really like for these to survive.I will have to do something, because they are still in the jug, and I have to extract them with a kitchen knife. I guess what I'm asking is, Do I prepair the spots that I want them to grow on, and get them as weed free as possible, then lift, and plant where I intend for them to grow? I love the flower, and want the hummers, but I can't see these plants maturing this year. Am I wright? Thank you Mike

Mike, my wintersown seedlings all go from the milk jug right into the ground.

To do this I dump the whole blob out of the jug, then cut into squares with a kitchen knife. Size of squares depends on how heavy germination was and the time I want to spend. Then I just plant into the garden bed.

I think the problem with "potting up" to small pots might be keeping them adequately moist. That's no easy task when hot weather arrives unless the pots are a pretty big size.

Mine (lobelia cardinalis) have just formed basal rosettes in the first year and started blooming in the second year. That might vary according to your zone + climate but for me it's second year.

Karen

Think you Karen, I will do the same.Its my guess that they grow larger as the years go by. I'm learning, Mike

Yes, like most perennials the "sleep, creep, leap" rule seems to apply. I had read somewhere that the lobelia cardinalis is a short lived plant. But my 2 original plants are now in their 4th or 5th year, so that's pretty good, I think.

With the price of perennials, it's nice to wintersow them from seeds. It sure is a lot cheaper! And often healthier than what you find in the garden centers. Not to mention far more selection from seed than plants available locally. Occasionally I treat myself and buy a plant that I can't start from seed, but not that often any more.

Karen

I gave a talk twice to people in the community about starting veggies and flowers from seed. I am a seed addict. I couldn't believe that anyone would spend the big bucks on plants that if one
purchased a packet of it (for far less than ONE plant,) but that seems to be the case quite often.

Tonight I planted the seeds of a new yarrow mix (strong colors,)
Canterbury Bells, Sweet William, Dianthus, blanket flower, etc. This fall I will also
get milk cartons ready for winter sowing. Last year the snows came
so soon that I couldn't get out the house to do it. I have big plans for the winter sowing: day lilies, bearded iris, Siberian iris, Japanese iris, and LA iris. In three years I will have blooms.

Lobelia erinus "Rose Regatta" is not germinating like the other colours?
Anyone have experience with this lobelia ?

I think that variety is a bit erratic and less % of germination. Even though it is in the Regatta series, the germination is probably about 60%. The growth habit is similar to the other Regatta's

Thanks.