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PROPAGATION

PROPAGATION FROM SEED

Seeds should be collected when they are ripe, which means they are usually brown and dry, but the right time for collection depends on when the plant flowered. It's best to collect seeds in dry weather but if there has been a wet spell let the seeds dry out properly by spreading them onto kitchen paper and leaving them in a well ventilated area. Seeds should be sown as soon as possible after collection, but if this isn't possible ensure that they are dry then store carefully, remembering to label them.

Fill pots or a seed-tray with moist loam based seed compost to about 1cm below the lip of the container and firm the compost down to prevent air pockets. It isn't strictly necessary to take off the feathery style but most of the information I've read recommends it. Take care not to injure the seed and then sow it on the surface of the compost, taking care to allow space between the seeds to prevent overcrowding. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed compost and then cover this with a thin layer of sharp sand or grit which will help stop the compost drying out and prevent the seeds from being disturbed. Stand the pots or seed tray in a basin of general-purpose fungicide mixed into water and when the sand or grit looks damp it can then be removed. Label the seeds carefully and then place them in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse or outside in a well lit spot out of direct sunlight. Place a pane of glass over the top of the seeds whcih will help to retain moisture but also prevent disturbance by mice or birds. Check the seeds regularly to ensure that the compost remains moist but not wet.

Germination can take from a couple of weeks to a couple of years, but as long as the seeds are viable and in suitable conditions, the results should be good. When the seedlings begin to develop remove the glass cover and allow them to produce two to three pairs of leaves, and reach a height of approximately 6cm before you think about potting up. Late summer/early autumn is a particularly good time for potting up and if yours don't look strong enough to handle at this time it is best to leave them until spring. Ease off the watering a bit in the winter so the compost dries off a bit.

When the seedlings are ready they can be potted up into 3inch pots containing moist loam based seedling compost. Take care not to damage the stem or roots and when the seedling has been pressed into the compost firmly you can label it and push a thin cane near to the little plant. Once again the seedlings should be kept in a bright spot in the garden or an unheated greenhouse, out of direct sunlight and be sure to protect them from slugs and snails. As the seedlings grow you can pinch out the growing tips to encourage the plant to bush out, and tie in new growth to the cane. Ensure that the compost is kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged.

Once the plants have established good root systems they can be potted up again into larger pots, again with loam based compost. Allow the plants to grow in containers until they are well established with strong stems before you consider planting them out in the garden.