Seed Germination Database

Some perennials and tree and shrub seeds can be very slow and erratic in germination. This may sometimes be due to seed dormancy, a condition which prevents the seed from germinating even when it is perfectly healthy and all conditions for germination are at optimum. The natural method is to sow the seeds out of doors somewhere where they will be sheltered from extremes of climate, predators, etc. and leave them until they emerge, which may be two or three seasons later. Dormancy, however, can be broken artificially and our section Nos. 12-16 deals with this.

Species	Type	Germ Days	Light / dark	X	Germ temp	Media	Sow depth	Comments
Abarema	GP	7-56			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	Scarify seed by rubbing between 2 pieces of emery paper.
Abelmoschus	HHA	15-30			75-80	Well drained	1/16"	Soak 1 hour in lukewarm water before sowing.
Abies	HT	21-30	L	X	68-75	Peaty	S	Soak overnight then pre-chill for 21 days. (No. 14).
Abutilon	HHSH	21-30		X	70-80	Peaty	JC
Acacia	HHSH	21			70-80	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13. Soak in warm water for 4 hours.
Acaena	HP	30-100		X	50-60	Well drained	1/4"
Acanthus	HP	21-25			50-55	Peaty	1/4".
Acer	HT	30-365+	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	Soak for 2 days then No. 15. (2 months warm moist, 2 months frig)
Achillea	HP	30-100	L	X	60-65	Well drained	S	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Achimenes	GP	21-30			65-75	Well drained	S	See No. 5. Seed is very small.
Acnistus	HHSH	21-42			55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Aconitum	HP	5-270	L	X	55-60	Well drained	1/16"	See Nos. 6 & 14. Place in a fridge for 6 weeks.
Actaea	HP	30-365		X	55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6-8 weeks).
Actinidia	HP	60-90		X	50	Well drained	1/8"	Male & Female flowers are borne on separate plants.
Adansonia	GSh	21-365		X	70-80	Peaty	1/16"	Soak in hand hot water. See No. 13.
Adenanthera	GSh	30-90			70-75	Well drained	JC	See No. 13. Soak in hot water.
Adenium	GSh	7-14	L		65-70	Very well drained	JC
Adenophora	HP	30-90		X	50-55	Well drained	S
Adonis	HA, HP	30-120		X	60-65	Well drained	JC
Aechmia	GP	7-90	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Aethionema	HP	30-90		X	60-65	Well drained	JC
Agapanthus	HHP	30-90			60-65	Well drained	JC
Agastache	HP	30-90			55	Well drained	1/16"
Agave	GP	30-90	L	X	55	Well drained	S
Ageratum	HHA	10-14	L		70-75	Well drained	S
Agrostemma	HA	14-21			55-65	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Ailanthus	HT	30-90	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S	Chip, soak then No. 14 for 2 weeks.
Akebia	HSh	30-180	L	X	50-60	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (4 weeks).
Albiza	HSh/HT	30-90		X	65-75	Well drained	1/8"	Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing.
Alchemilla	HP	21-30			60-70	Well drained	1/8"
Allium	HBb	30-365	L		50	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. Place in fridge for 4 weeks.
Aloe	GP	30-180	L		70	Well drained	S
Alonsoa	HHA	14-21			60	Well drained	1/16"	Cover seed with silver sand.
Alpina	GP	30-90			70-75	Peaty	1/8"
Alstroemeria	HP	30-365		X	65-70	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 13. Soak in warm water. Sow singly in pcrts.
Alyssum	HA	7-14	L		55-75	Peaty	S	Annuals can be sown in situ.
Amaranthus	HHA	10-15			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Amaryllis	HHBB	21-70		X	65-75	Peaty	1/16"	Do not dry off in the first year after sowing.
Ammi	HHA	7-21			55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Ammobium	HHA	10-15			60	Well drained	1/16"
Amorpha	HSh	30-120		X	50-60	Well drained	1/16"	Soak for 12 hours in tepid water before sowing.
Anacampseros	GP	30-90	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S
Anacyclus	HP	30-60	L	X	55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks.)
Anagallis	HHA	30-42			50-65	Well drained	1/8"
Anaphalis	HP	30-60			55-65	Well drained	JC
Anchusa	HA, HP	7-30			70	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Andromeda	HSh	30-60	L	X	50-60	Peaty	S	Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist.
Androsace	HP	30-365		X	50-55	Well drained	S	See No. 16.
Anemone	HP	28-180		X	65-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 6.
Anemonopsis	HP	30-18O	L	X	55-60	Well drained	S	Sow in lime free compost.
Anigozanthus	GP	30-90	L		60-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Anoda	HHA	14-21			55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ
Antennaria	HP	30-69			55-60	Well drained	JC	Just cover with silver sand.
Anthemis	HP	0-14			70	Well drained	S
Anthericum	HP	30-90			50	Well drained	1/8"
Anthriscus	HP, HB	14-21			55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Usually sown in situ
Anthyllis	HP	30-60			50	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 13. Soak in warm water overnight.
Antigonon	GP	21-30			65-70	Well drained	JC
Antirrhinum	HHA	10-21	L		65-75	Peaty	S
Aphyllanthes	HP	21-56		X	55-60	Peaty	JC
Aquilegia	HP	30-90	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S	See No. 6 or 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Keep temperature below 70'F
Arabis	HP	20-25	L		70	Well drained	S	Can be sown in situ.
Arachis	GA	7-21			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	Sow, then place inside a Polythene bag until germination.
Araucaria	HT	30-60	D		55-60	Peaty	1/4"	Sow immediately
Araujia	HHSh	90-180		X	75-80	Well drained	JC
Arbutus	HT	60-90	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (6-8 weeks).
Arctotis	HHA	21-35			60-70	Well drained	JC
Ardisia	GSh	90-180			75	Well drained	1/4"
Arenaria	HP	15-30			55-65	Well drained	S
Argemone	HA	14			65-70	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Arisaema	HP	30-180	L	X	55-60	Well drained	JC
Aristea	GP	30-90		X	55-60	Well drained	JC
Aristolochia	GSh	30-90		X	75-85	Peaty	S	See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water).
Armeria	HP	14-21			60-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 13. (6-8 hours in hand hot water).
Arnica	HP	25-30			55	Well drained	JC	Likes an acid sandy soil.
Artemisia	HP	30-60	L		60-65	Well drained	S
Arum	HP	30-l80		X	55-65	Peaty	1/8"
Aruncus	HP	30-90			55-65	Peaty	S
Arundinaria	HSh	30-90	L	X	70	Peaty	JC	Stand seed in a saucer of water to keep the soil always moist.
Asarina	HHP	14-21	L		65-70	Well drained	S
Asarum	HP	7-30			60-65	Well drained	1/16"	Sow as soon as possible.
Asclepias	GP, HP	30-90		X	50-75	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chil for 3-4 weeks).
Asparagus	GP	21-30			60-70	Peaty	1/4"	Soak then chip. See Nos. 12 and 13.
Asperula	HA	30-42	L		50	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ or No. 14. (Pre-chill 2 weeks).
Asphodeline	HP	30		X	70-75	Well drained	JC
Aster	HHA	10-14			65-70	Well drained	1/16"	Pre-chill perennial asters, see No. 14. (Pre-chill 2 weeks).
Asterolasia	HSh	30-180		X	55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Astilbe	HP	40-80			65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Astrantia	HP	30-180	L	X	55-65	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Atriplex	HA	9-21			50-55	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Atropa	HP	21-30			50	Well drained	1/16"
Aubrieta	HP	14-21	L		65-75	Well drained	S	See No. 5.
Aucuba	HSh	30-90		X	65-70	Well drained	1/8"
Azalea	HSh	50-90	L	X	55-60	Peaty	S	See No. 5 or No. 6. Keep shaded from direct sun.
Baileya	HHP	7-30			60-65	Well drained	JC
Balsamorrhiza	HP	14-42			60-65	Well drained	1/16"
Banksia	HHSH	30-90		X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Baptisia	HP	7-10			70-75	Well drained	1/4"	Soak then chip. See Nos. 13 and 12.
Basil	HHA	7-10				Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown situ
Bauhinia	GSh	21-42			75-85	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water).
Beaufortia	HHSH	14-60	L		55-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Beaumontia	GSh	7-30			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Begonia	HHP	15-60	L	X	70-80	Peaty	S	See No. 5. Fibrous: 70-75F; tuberous: 65-70F.
Belamcanda	HP	14-60		X	60-86	Well drained		See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7 days).
Bellis	HB	10-15	L		70	Peaty	1/16"	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Beloperone	GP	30-180	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Berberis	HSh	60-180	L	X	50-65	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (8 weeks).
Bergenia	HP	30-180		X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Beriandiera	HHP	30-90	L		60-70	Well drained	S
Beta	HB	14-21			55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Usually sown in situ.
Betula	HT	30-90	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (10 weeks).
Bignonia	GP	30-90		X	60-70	Peaty	S
Billadiera	HHP	30-60			55	Sandy peat	JC
Billbergia	HHP	7-90	L		60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Biscutella	HHA	14-21			55-65	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in situ.
Bixa	GT	30-180		X	75-80	Peaty
Blandfordia	HHP	30-90+		X	60-70	Sandy peat	JC
Bletilla	HHP	30-365	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Banana (Musa)	GP	7-180		X	70-80	Peaty	1/2"	See No. 2.
Boea	GP	20-60	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Boronia	GSh	30-60	L		65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Brachycombe	HHA	10-18			70	Well drained	JC
Brimeura	HBb	30-60		X	60-65	Sandy peat	JC
Bromeliads	GP	7-90	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Browallia	GP	14-21	L		75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Brunfelsia	GP	30-90		X	70-80	Well drained	JC
Buddleia	HSh	20-30	L		70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Bulbinella	H/HHBB	30-90		X	55	Well drained	JC
Buoeurum	HSh	14-60			55-60	Well drained	JC
Bupthalmum	HP	14-30	L		70-75	Well drained	S
Cabbage & Kale	HB	14-21			70-75	Peaty	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Cacti	GP	5-180	L	X	75-80	Peaty	S	See No. 9.
Caesalonia	HhSh	14-120		X	75-80	Well drained	1/4"	See No. 13. (Soak 48 hours in hand hot water).
Cainellia	HSh	30-90		X	70-75	Peaty	1/4 S	See No. 13. May also benefit from No. 14.
Calandrinia	HHA	5-14			55-60	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Calceolaria	GB	14-21	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	Outdoor varieties keep temperature below 60'F.
Calendula	HA	10-14	D		-70	Any	1/4"	Can be sown in situ, or autumn for winter greenhouse flowers.
Calibanus	GP	30-120	L	X	70-80	Peaty	S
Calliopsis	HA	14			60-65	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Callirhoe	HP	30-180+	L	X	50	Well drained	S	Can be sown in situ or a cold frame.
Callistemon	HHSh	14-60	L		55-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Calluna	HSh	30-60	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Calocedrus	HT	30-90	L		50-60	Peaty	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Caltha	HP	30-90		X	55-60	Peaty	1/16"	Keep compost slighty moist.
Camassia	HBb	30-180		X	55-60	Well drained	1/16"
Campanula	HP, HB	14-28	L		60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Campsis	HHSh	30-90		X	70-75	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months).
Canarina	GP	30-180		X	65-75	Well drained	JC
Candytuft	HA, HP	10+15			68-85	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in stiu. Perennials (60-65F) can be slow and irregular.
Canna	HHP	21-60		X	70-75	Peaty	1/4"	See Nos 12 & 13. Chip and soak for 48 hours.
Capsicum	GA	21-30	L		70-75	Peaty	S
Caragana	HSh	14-21	L		65-70	Well drained	S	See No. 13.
Cardiocrinum	HBb	90-730		X	50	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 6.
Cardiospermum	HHA	21-30			65-70	Well drained	1/2"
Carica	GSh	30-120		X	75	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 40 hours).
Carlina	HP	30-60	L		55-60	Well drained	S
Carpinus	HT	30-365	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S	See No. 15. (1 month at 79'F then 4 months in frig.) or No. 16.
Carthamus	HA	12-18			55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in stiu
Caryopteris	HSh	30-90		X	65-70	Well drained	JC
Cassia	GSh	7-90			70-75	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 12.
Casuarina	GT	30-90			65	Well drained	JC
Catalpa	HT	14-30	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	Give seedlings good ventilation to prevent damping off.
Catananche	HP	21			65-75	Well drained	1/16"
Catharanthus	GA/HHA	15-20	D		70-75	Peaty	1/8"
Ceanothus	HSh	30-60	L		65-70	Well drained	S	Soak overnight then treat as No. 14 for 2 weeks.
Cedrus	HT	14-60	L	X	60-65	Well drained	S	Soak for 2-3 hours then treat as No. 14 for 3 weeks.
Celosia	GA	10-15	L		70-75	Well drained	JC	Do not sow too early - likes warm bouyant conditions.
Centaurea	HP, HA	7-14	D		60-70	Well drained	1/16"
Centranthus	HP	21-30			60-70	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in situ.
Cepalaria	HP	21-60			55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ.
Cephalilitrum	HHA	14-21			65-75	Well drained	JC
Cephalotaxus	HSh	14-60		X	60-65	Peaty	JC
Cerastium	HP	5-10			60	Well drained	1/16"
Ceratotheca	HHA	8-14			70-75	Well drained	1/8"
Cercis	HSh	30-90	L	X	70-75	Well drained	JC	See No.13. Soak in hand hot water then No. 14 for 2-3 months.
Cerinthe	HHA-	7-14			60-65	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Chaenomeles	HSh	70-90	L	X	55-65	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7-10 weeks).
Chamaecyparis	HT, HHT	30-60	L		50-60	Peaty	JC	See No 14. (Pre-chilll for 3 weeks).
Cheiranthus	HB	14-21			65-75	Well drained	1/8"	Sow in a reserve bed, pick out 6" apart. Plant out in Oct.
Chelidonium	HP	30-365		X	55-65	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 16.
Chelone	HP	14-42			55-65	Well drained	1/16"	Needs good drainage.
Chiastopholum	HP	30-60			55	Well drained	S	Seeds very small.
Chimonanthus	HSh	63-90	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5-8 weeks).
Chionanthus	HSh	30-180	L	X	60-70	Well drained	S	See No 4. (Pre-chill for 1 month)
Chionodoxa	HBb	30-90		X	55	Well drained	1/4"
Chlorogalum	HBb	30-90		X	55-80	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6.
Chrysanthemum	HA, HP	10-18			60-70	Peaty	1/8"	Annuals can be sown in situ. HP's reduce temperature at night.
Cimicifuga	HP	30-365		X	55-60	Well drained	1/16"
Cineraria	GP	14-21	L	X	70	Well drained	JC
Cirrhopetalum	GP	30-180	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S
Cirsium	HP	15-18			70-75	Well drained	1/8"
Cissus	GSh	30-180		X	70-75	Well drained	JC
Cistus	HSh	7-30	L		65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Citinus	HSh	30-90		X	55-60	Peaty	1/16	Chip and soak for 12 hours. Pre-chill 6-9 weeks.
Cladanthus	HA	30-35			70-75	Well drained	JC
Clarkia	HA	21			-	Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ, as sturdier plants are produced.
Claytonia	HA	14-21			65-70	Well drained	1/8"
Clematis	HP	30-270+		X	70-75	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6 & No. 16.
Cleome	HHA	10+14	L		70-75	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Clerodendron	Hsh	60-90	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-6 weeks).
Clerodendrum	GSh	21-60		X	70-75	Well drained	1/8"
Clianthus	GSh	14-42			65-70	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13.
Clintonia	HP	30-90			55-60	Sandy peat	JC	Keep compost always just moist.
Clitoria	GP	15-20			70-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 12 and No. 13. (Chip and soak for 24 hours).
Clivia	GP	7-21			80-85	Peaty	1/4"	Sow immediately. See No. 3.
Cobaea	HHA	21-30			70-75	Well drained	1/16"	Stick the seed vertically into the compost.
Coccoloba	GSh	10-21			65-70	Well drained	1/4"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Codonopsis	HP	7-42	L		60-70	Slighty acid	S
Coffea	GSh	42-56	L		75	Peaty	S	See No. 2. (Soak for 48 hours).
Colchicum	HBb	30-365		X	55-65	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 16.
Coleus	HHP	10-20	L		65-75	Peaty	S	Indoors - likes to be warm with plenty of bright light.
Collinsia	HHA	14-21			-	Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ, thin out to 6".
Collomia	HA	21			-	Well drained	1/8"	Best sown in situ, thin out to 6".
Columnea	GP	30-120	L	X	72-75	Peaty	S
Colutea	HSh	7-21			65-70	Well drained	1/16	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Commelina	HHP	30-37			70	Well drained	1/8"
Conophytum	GP	10-40	L	X	75-00	Well drained	S
Convallaria	HP	60-365+	L	X	50-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 16.
Convolvulus	HA	5-14			70-80	Well drained	1/8"	Chip (No. 12) or soak (No. 13) the seeds.
Cordyline	GP	30-90			75-80	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 10 minutes in hand hot water).
Cordyline	HHSh	30-60		X	65-70	Peaty	1/16
Coreopsis	HP	20-25	L		55-70	Well drained	S	Annuals can be sown in situ
Cornus	HSh	90-730	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S	See No.15. (2 months at 70F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16.
Coronilla	HHSh	30-60			65-75	Well drained	JC
Correa	HHSh	30-90		X	65-72	Well drained	JC
Cortaderia	HP	14-21	L		60-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Corydalis	HP	30-60	L		50-60	Well drained	S
Cosmos	HHA	5-10			68-86	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Cotoneaster	HSh	180-365	L	X	70	Acid Peaty	S	See No.15. (3-5 months at 70'F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16.
Cotula	HHA	14-42			50	Well drained	1/16"
Crambe	HP	21-42			-	Well drained	1/2"	Best sown In situ.
Craspedia	HHA	14-30			70-75	Peaty	1/8"	Can be sown in situ.
Crataegus	HSh	180-730	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S	See No.15. (3-5 months at 70'F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16.
Crepis	HA	5-14			70-80	Well drained	JC
Crinodendron	H/HHSh	30-120		X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No.13. (Soak for 3 hours).
Crocosmia	HP	30-90			55-60	Well drained	1/16"
Crocus	HBb	30-180		X	55-65	Well drained	1/8"
Crossandra	GP	25-30	L	X	75-80	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Crotalaria	GSh	21-30			65-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours)
Cryptomeria	HT	30-60		X	55-65	Peaty	1/16
Cryptostegia	GCI	30-90		X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours)
Cunonia	GSh	30-60			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Cuphea	HHP	8-10	L		70	Peaty	S
Cupressus	HT	30-90	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No.14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Cyananthus	HP	14-60	L		60-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Cycad	GP	30-90		X	70-75	Well drained		Half bury the seed lengthwise.
Cyclamen	GP	30-60	D	X	55-60	Peaty	1/4"	Keep moist and in total darkness.
Cyclamen	HP	30-18O	D	X	55-60	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 6.
Cynara	HP	14-30			50-55	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown In situ.
Cynoglossum	HA	5-10	D		65-75	Peaty	1/4"
Cyperus	HHP	25-30			70-75	Peaty	JC	Keep the compost slighty moist.
Cyphomandra	GP	20-25			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Cyphostemma	GP	30-60		X	70	Well drained	1/4"	See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours).
Cypripedium	HP	30-365	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5. Very difficult outside the laboratory.
Cyrtanthus	GP	30-90		X	55-65	Peaty	S	Keep the compost silghty moisty
Cytisus	HSh	25-30	L		70-75	Well drained	S	See No.13. Transplant to final quarters while still small.
Daboecia	HSh	30-120	L	X	55-65	Acid peat	S	Never allow compost to dry out.
Dahlia	HHA	5-20			65-70	Peaty	1/16"	Do not let the compost dry out.
Daphne	HSh	150- 365	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S	See No. 15.(2 months at 70F then 3 months in the frig)
Darlingtonia	HP	30-90		X	75-80	Peaty	S	Do not let the compost dry out. See also No. 5.
Datura	HHSH	21-42			55-65	Well drained	1/8"
Davidia	HT	300-365		X	50-65	Peaty	1/4 S	See No. 15. (3-4 months warm moist, 3- months frig.).
Decaisnea	HSh	30-180		X	55-60	Well drained	1/4
Delonix	GT	30-90		X	75-85	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Delosperma	HHP	10-40	L		75	Well drained	S
Delphinium	HP	14-28	D	X	50-55	Peaty	1/16"	High temps. cause dormancy. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Desmodium	GA	30-90			75-80	Well drained	1/16"
Dianella	H/HHP	30-90			65-70	Well drained	1/16"
Dianthus	HHA, HP	14-21			60-70	Well drained	JC
Diascia	HHA	14-30			60	Well drained	JC
Dicentra	HP	30-180	L	X	55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Dichorisandra	GP	7-60			70-75	Peaty	JC
Dictamnus	HP	30-180		X	55-60	Well drained		See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-8 weeks).
Didymocarpus	Gp	14-56	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S
Dierama	HP	30-180	L	X	60-65	Well drained	S	See No. 5.
Dietes	HHP	30-90		X	50-60	Well drained	JC
Digitalis	HP, HB	15-20	L		60-65	Peaty	S	Can be sown in situ.
Dimorphotheca	HHA	10-15	L		60-70	Peaty	JC
Dionaea	GP	30-90	L	X	75-80	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Dioon	GP	30-90		X	70-75	1/2 peat, 1/2 sand	1/4"	See No. 2.
Dioscorea	HP	21-36			70-75	Peaty	1/8"
Diplarrhena	HP	30-90			55-65	Well drained	JC
Diplolaena	GSh	30-150	L	X	7-8O	Peaty	JC
Dipsacus	HB	4-30			-	Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ
Disporum	HP	30-180+	L	X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Dizygotheca	HHSh	20-30	L		70	Peaty	S
Dodecatheon	HP	90-365			60-70	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6.
Dolichos	HHA	14-30			70	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13.
Domnicum	HP	15-20	L		70	Well drained	S	Reduce soil tempeature at night
Doryanthes	HHP	30-60			65	Peaty	JC	See No. 13. (Soak for 3 hours).
Draba	HP	30-90		X	55	Well drained	JC	See Nos. 6 and 14.
Dracaena	GSh	30-180	L	X	75-85	Well drained	S	Keep the compost slightly moist
Dracunculus	HP	30-180		X	55-65	Peaty	JC	Keep the compost slightly moist
Drosera	GP	30-90	L		55-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Dryas	HP	50-180		X	60-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 6.
Duchesnia	HP	30-90	L	X	55-65	Well drained	JC
Duranta	GSh	30-60			70-75	Peaty	JC
Eccremocarpus	HP	30-60		X	-60	Well drained	JC	Cover the seed slightly with silver sand
Echeveria	HHP	21-90	L	X	55-65	Well drained	JC
Echinacea	HP	10-21	L		70-75	Peaty	1/8"	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Echinops	HP	15-60			65-75	Peaty E	1/16"
Echium	HA	7-14			70	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ.
Edraianthus	HP	30-60	L		55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Egg Plant	GA	10-21		X	70	Peaty	1/8"	Keep the compost slightly moist
Elaeagnus	HT/HSH	140-180		X	50-65	Well drained	1/16 >/TD>	See No. 15.(4 weeks warm moist, 8-12 weeks frig.).
Emilia	HHA	8-15			70	Well drained	1/16"
Emnurus	HP	30-365	L	X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No. 16.
Enkianthus	HSh	25-60	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 14.(Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Epilobium	HP	14-30			50-60	Well drained	1/8"
Episcia	GP	25-40	L		70-80	Peaty	S	Seeds dust-like. See also No. 5.
Eranthis	HBb	30-365		X	60-68	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6 and 14.
Erica	HSh	30-60	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 14.(Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Erica	GP	30-120	L	X	60-70	Acid Peat	S	See No. 5.
Erigeron	HP	15-20				Well drained	S
Erinus	HP	20-25				Well drained	S
Eriobotrya	HHSh	30-180				Well drained	JC	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Eriophyllum	HP	14-42				Well drained	1/8"	Best sown outdoors and transplanted
Eryngium	HP	5-90	L	X		Well drained	S	See No. 6.
Erysium	HP	14-30				Well drained	1/4"	Sow in situ.
Erythrina	HHSh	10-15			70-75	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Erythronium	HBb	30-365		X	50-60	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6.
Eschscholtzia	HA	14-21			60-65	Well drained	1/4"	Resents transplanting, best sown in situ.
Eucalyptus	HHSh, HT	14-90		X	70-75	Peaty	S	Sow seed and chaff together. See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Eucnide	HHA	21-30			60-70	Well drained	1/8"
Eucomis	GBb	20-25			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Euonymus	HSh	220-365		X	50-65	Well drained	1/16	See No. 15.(8-12 weeks warm moist, 8-16 weeks frig.).
Eupatorium	HP	30-90		X	55	Well drained	JC
Euphorbia	HHA,HP,GSh	10-15		X	70-80	Well drained	1/4"	Pre-chill HPs for 7 days and then soak for 2 hours.Sow in lime free compost (Ericaceous).
Eustoma	HHP	10-21	L		68-77	Well drained	S
Exacum	GA	15-20	L		70-75	Peaty	S	Seed dust-like. See No. 5.
Fagus	HT	30-365	L	X	50-60	Well drained	JC	Soak overnight then see No. 14 (pre-chill for 6 weeks) or No. 16.
Fascicularia	HHP	30-120	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Fatsia	HHSH	15-20			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	Keep the compost slightly moist.
Faucaria	GP	14-30		X	60	Well drained	JC	Just cover with sharp sand.
Feijoa	HHSH	21-42			55-60	Peaty	1/16"	Rinse seeds 3 times before sowing.
Felicia Amelloi	HHP	30			55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Place in fridge for 3 weeks).
Felicia Bergeri	HHA	30			70	Well drained	JC
Ferns	HP, GP	30-180	L		65	Peaty	S	See No. 4.
Ficus	GSh	15-90	L	X	70-80	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Filipendula	HP	30-90			55-60	Well drained	JC
Flower Lawn	HP	30-180	L	X	55-65	Well drained	S	See Nos. 6 or 16.
Foeniculum	HP	10-14	D		65	Well drained	1/8"	Dislikes transplanting, sow in situ.
Forsythia	HSh	30-90			55-65	Well drained	1/4
Francoa	HHP	14-30	L	X	50-55	Peaty	S	See No. 6.
Freesia	HHBB	25-30		X	65-75	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 7.
Fremontodendron	HHSh/HSh	30-60			65-70	Well drained	JC
Fritillaria	HBb	330-540		X	55-M	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 6.
Fuchsia	HSh	21-90	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No.5. Soak in rainwater for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist.
Fuchsia	GP	21-90	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5. Soak in rain water for 3-4 days. Keep compost moist.
Gaillardia	HP, HHA	15-20	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Galega	HP	14-60			-	Well drained	<"	Best sown outdoors and transplanted.
Galtonia	HBb	15-20		X	70	Peaty	1/16"
Gardenia	GSh	25-30			70-75	Peaty	1/8"	Use a lime free compost (Ericaceous).
Gaultheria	HSh	30-60	L		65-70	Peaty	S	See No.14. (Pre-chill for 4-10 weeks). Acid soils only.
Gaura	HHA	14-30			65-75	Well drained	1/16"
Gazania	HHA	8-21	D		60-65	Well drained	1/8"
Genista	HSh	14-30			55-65	Well drained	JC	See No.13.
Gentiana	HP	14-180	D	X	70-75	Lime free	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 months).
Gentianopsis	HA	21-30	L		-	Well drained	S	Sow outdoors and thin. Sensitive to root disturbance.
Geranium	HHP	3-21		X	70-75	Well drained	JC
Geranium	HP	30-90		X	50	Well drained	JC	See No. 6.
Gerbera	GP	15-25	L		70-75	Peaty	JC	Sow sharp end down, don't cover completely.
Gesneria	GP	14-21	L		70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Geum	HP	21-28+		X	65-70	Peaty	1/16"	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Gilia	HA	17			-	Well drained	1/8"	Sow outdoors and thin out.
Gingko	HT	30-60	L	X	70-75	Peaty	1/8	See No.14. (Pre-chill for 8-10 weeks).
Glaucidium	HP	30-90		X	50-55	Peaty	JC
Glaucium	HA	14-21	D		60-65	Well drained	JC	Transplant carefully, best sown In situ.
Gleditschia	HT	14-30			65-70	Well drained	JC	Chip and soak for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13.
Globularia	HP	10-30	L		55	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Gloriosa	HHBB	30			70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Gloxinia	GP	15-30	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Gnaphalium	HP	14-21	L		60-70	Well drained	s
Godetia	HA	7-14			60-65	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ
Gomphrena	HHA	6-8	L		70-75	Well drained	JC
Gourds	HHA	15-29			80	Peaty	1/4"	Can also treat as No. 5.
Grass Tree	HHP	30-180	L	X	65	Peaty	S	See No. 4.
Grasses	HP, HHA	10-90	L	X	60-75	Peaty	S
Grevillea	HHSh	20-25	L		75-80	Well drained	S	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Gunnera	HP	14-60		X	70-80	Peaty	1/16"
Guzmania	GP	7-90	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Gymnocladus	HT	30-90		X	65-70	Well drained	1/4	Chip and soak in warm water for 24 hours. See Nos. 12 and 13.
Gypsophila	HA, HP	10-15		X	70	Peaty	JC
Hacquetia	HP	30-180		X	55	Well drained	JC	See No. 16.
Haemanthus	GBb	7-42			60-65	Peaty	JC
Hamamelis	HSh	270-365	L	X	50-60	Peaty	1/16	See No.15. (3 months at 70'F then place in frig. for 3 months).
Haplopappus	HP	21-30			60-70	Well drained	1/8"
Hardenbergia	HHP	30-90		X	55-65	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Harpephyllum	GP	10-30			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Hawothia	HHP	21-60	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Hebe	HHSh	15-30			70	Peaty	JC
Hedychium	HHP	20-25			70-75	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours).
Hedysarum	HP	14-42			55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Helanium	HP	7-10			70	Peaty	1/16"	Can be sown in situ. Reduce soil temperature at night.
Helianthemum	HP	15-20			70-75	Well drained	S	See No. 5.
Helianthus	HA	10-14			70-85	Peaty	1/4"	Can be sown in situ.
Helichrysum	HHA	7-10	L		65-75	Well drained	S
Heliophila	HHA	14-21			60-65	Well drained	1/16"
Heliopsis	HP	10-15			70	Well drained	1/16"
Heliotropium	HHP	14-42		X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"
Helipterum	HA	14-20			65-75	Peaty	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Helleborous	HP	30-545		X	60-65	Well drained		See No. 6. May need to go through two winters outdoors.
Hemerocallis	HP	21-49			60-70	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Hemiphora	GP	30-120		X	70-75	Peaty	JC
Hepatica	HP	30-360	L		50-55	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Heracleum	HP	30-90			-	Well drained	1/4"	Sow in situ. See No. 6.M
Herniaria	HP	10-12			70	Well drained	JC
Hesperis	HB	20-25	L		70-85	Peaty	S	Can be sown in situ. Reduce soil temperature at night.
Heuchera	HP	10-60	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S
Hibiscus	HSh	30-60		X	70-75	Well drained	1/16	See No.13.
Hieracium	HP	21-30			50-60	Well drained	JC
Hippeastrum	HHBB	30-42			75	Pemy	1/8"
Hippophae	HSh	30-180	L	X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No.14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks).
Hollyhock	HA, HP	10-12	L		60-70	Peaty	S	Can be sown in situ.
Holmskioldia	GSh	30-90		X	60-65	Well drained	JC
Holodiscus	HSh	30-180		X	60-65	Well drained	S
Hosta	HP	30-90		X	50	Peaty	1/16"	Keep compost slighty moist.
Humulus	HP	25-30			70-75	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ.
Hunnemannia	HHA	15-20			70-75	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ. Makes a nice pot plant.
Hutchutinsia	HP	14-30			-	Well drained	1/4"	Sow in situ.
Hyoscymus	HB, HA	14-42			-	Well drained	1/8"	Sow in situ.
Hypericum	HSh	30-90		X	50-55	Well drained	JC
Hypoestes	GP	10-21			70-75	Well drained	JC
Hyssopus	HP	14-42			60-70	Peaty	1/16"
Iliamna	HP	30-360	L	X	55-65	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Impatiens	HHA	21-30	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5. Maintain a very high humidity until germination.
Incarvillea	HP	25-30			55-65	Well drained	S	See No. 5.
Indigafera	HSh	30-60			65-70	Well drained	1/16	Pour nearly boiling water over seed and leave to soak overnight.
Indigofera	HHSh	30-90		X	50	Well drained	ye,	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Inula	HP	14-42			55-65	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Ionopsidium	HA	14-21			55-60	Well drained	1/16"	Sow in situ.
Ipomaea	HHA	5-21		X	70-85	Peaty	1/4"	Chip and soak. See Nos. 12 and 13.
Iris	HP	30-545		X	60-70	Peaty	1/4".	See No. 6. May take two winters outdoors.
Isatis	HB	14-42			50	Well drained	1/16"	Sow in situ.
Ixiolirion	HBb	30-90		X	50	Well drained	1/16"
Ixora	GSh	30-120		X	70-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Jacaranda	GSh	10-15			70-85	Peaty	JC
Jacobaea	HA	8-21			60-65	Well drained	1/8"
Jacobinia	GP	30-180		X	75-80	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 24 hours).
Jasione	HP	10-21			70	Well drained	JC
Jasminum	HSh	20-30			70-75	Well drained	JC
Jatropha	GP	30-120		X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"
Jovellana	H/HHSH	30-90		X	60-50	Well drained	S
Juglans	HT	30-180	L	X	50-60	Peaty	JC	See No.14. (2-3 weeks). Place so that dividing line is at the top.
Juniperus	HT	30-180	L	X	45-50	Peaty	S	Soak for 24 hours. High temperatures prevent germination.
Kalanchoe	GP	7-30	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S	Likes good air circulation.
Kallstroemia	HHA	14-21		X	60-65	Well drained	JC
Kalmia	HSh	30-60	L	X	70-	Sandy peat	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months).
Kalmiopsis	HSh	30-60	L		65-70	Acid, sandy peat	S
Kaulfussia	HA	21-30			-	Well drained	1/4"'	Sow in situ. Thin to 6".
Kentranthus	HP	21-40			65-70	Well drained	JC
Kirengeshoma	HP	30-300			55-65	Peaty	JC	Keep compost uniformly moist.
Knautia	HP	10-21				Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ Thin to 6".
Kniphofia	HP	10-30			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	Reduce soil temperature at night
Kochia	HHA	10-15	L		70-75	Well drained	S
Koelreuteria	HT	30-60	L	X	55-65	Peaty	JC	See No. 13. (Use boiling water) then No. 14 (place in frig. for 3 weeks).
Kolwitzia	HT	40-70	L	X	65-70	Well drained	JC	Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Laburnum	HT	30-60			65-70	Well drained	1/16	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Lagerstroemia	HHSh	15-20	L		70	Well drained	S	See No. 5.
Lagunaria	GT	30-180		X	68-70	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 2 hours).
Lamium	HP	30-60			65-70	Well drained	JC
Lampranthus	HHP	15-30	D		65-75	Well drained	JC
Lantana	HHP	42-60		X	70-75	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak 1 day in hand-hot water).
Lapageria	HHP	30-90		X	70-75	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. Soak for 3 days changing water 3/5 times per day
Lapeirousia	HBb	30-90		X	55-60	Well drained	1/8"
Larix	HT	30-90	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. Pre-chill for 1 month.
Larkspur	HA	14-21	D		50-55	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 14.
Lasthenia	HA	17-21			-	Well drained	1/8"	Best sown in situ. Thin to 4".
Lathyrus	HP	20-30		X	55-65	Peaty	1/4"'	Soak or chip the seeds. See No. 12 or No. 13.
Latris	HP	20-25			55-75	Well drained	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Launus	HT	40-90	L	X	50-60	Peaty	JC	Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill 1 month)
Lavatera	HA, HB, HP	15-20			70	Peaty	1/16"
Lavender	HSh	21-90		X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4-6 weeks).
Lawrencellida	HHA	21-30	L		65-75	Well drained	S
Layia	HA	8-30			70-75	Well drained	1/8"
Ledum	HSh	30-60	L	X	55-65	Acid peat	S
Leea	GP	30-90		X	75-80	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 13.
Leontopodium	HP	10-42	L	X	50	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Leptosiphon	HA	17-21			55-65	Well drained	1/16"	Best sown in situ.
Leptospermum	HHSh	30-180		X	60	Peaty	1/16"
Leptosyne	HA	6-12	L		60-65	Peaty	1/8"
Leschenaultia	GSh	30-120		X	60-70	Well drained	JC
Lewisia	HP	365+	L	X	50	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 5 weeks).
Leycesteria	HSh	30-60			60-65	Sandy peat	JC
Libertia	HP	30-180		X	50	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6.
Ligularia	HP	14-42		X	55-65	Peaty	S	Keep compost slighty moist.
Lilies	HBb	30-365		X	65-75	Peaty	JC	See No. 10 for more details.
Limnanthes	HA	14-21			60	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ
Limonium	HP, HHA	10-20	D		65-70	Well drained	JC	Suworowii needs total darkness to germinate
Linanthus	HA	17-21			-	Well drained	1/8"	Sow outdoors and thin out.
Linaria	HP	10-15			55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Linurn	HP	20-25			65	Well drained	1/8"	Best sown in situ.
Liquidambar	HT	14-365	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months). Don't let the seeds dry out.
Liriodendron	HT	60-365	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 16.
Lisianthus	HHP	10-21	L		68-77	Well drained	S
Lithops	GP	10-40	L	X	75-80	Well drained	S
Lobelia	HHA,HHP	15-20	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S	Place seed of a in fridge for 3 months (See No. 14).
Loiseleuria	HSh	30-60			65-75	Well drained	JC
Lomatia	HHSh	30-180		X	60-65	Well drained	1/8"
Lonas	HA	5-7	D		70	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in sity
Lonicera	HSh	180+	L	X	60-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. Place in frig. for 3 months. Keep temp. below 75'F.
Lotus	HHP	14-30		X	55-65	Well drained	JC	Transplant into 3" pots.
Luculia	HHSH	30-60		X	55-60	Well drained	JC
Lunaria	HB	10-14			70	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Lupin	HP	15-60	D	X	55-65	Well drained	1/8"	Soak or chip the seeds. See Nos. 12 or 13.
Lychnis	HP	21-30	L		70	Well drained	S	See No. 2. (pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Lysichitum	HP	30-60		X	55-65	Peaty	1/4"	Keep compost saturated by standing in water.
Lysimachia	HP	30-90		X	55-65	Peaty	S	Keep compost moist.
Lythrum	HP	15-30			65-70	Peaty	JC
Macropidia	GP	30-90	L		60-65	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Magnolia	HT	120+	L	X	50	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. Place in frig. for 4 months.
Mahonia	HSh	90-120	L	X	50	Peaty	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Makus	HT	120-365	L	X	50	Peaty	JC	Soak for 24 hours then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 14 weeks).
Malope	HA	14-30			65-75	Peaty	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Malva	HP	5-21			70	Peaty	1/16"
Mandeville	HHSh	14-30			65-75	Well drained	JC	Sow in 1/2 sand and 1/2 peat.
Mandragora	HP	50-60			55-60	Peaty	1/8"
Marigold	HHA	5-14			70-75	Peaty	JC
Matricaria	HP	5-21	L		65-75	Well drained	S	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Maurandia	HHP	14-21			65-70	Well drained	1/16"
Meconopsis	HP	14-28		X	55-65	Peaty	S	Keep slightly moist. See also No. 5.
Melia	GT	30-180		X	55	Well drained	1/8"
Melianthus	HHSh	30-180		X	70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Mentzelia	HA	5-21			55-60	Well drained	JC
Menziesia	HSh	30-60			55	Sandy peat	S	Keep compost uniformly moist.
Merrtensia	HP	30-60		X	55-60	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Mesembryanthern	HHA	15-20	D		65-75	Well drained	S
Metrosideros	HHSh	30-90		X	60-60	Peaty	1/16"
Mimosa	GP	21-30	L	X	70-75	Well drained	S	See No. 13. (Soak for 20 minutes in almost boiling water).
Mimulus	HHP, HP	7-21	L		70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks). Then No. 5.
Mina	HHP	20-25			70	Well drained	1/4"	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Mirabilis	HHA	7-21	L		70	Well drained	S
Moluccelia		21-35	L	X	60	Well drained	JC	Pre-chill for 5 days then 40'F temp. night gives best results.
Momordica	HHA	14-21			65-75	Peaty	1/8"	Sow seeds singly in 3" pots.
Monarda	HP	10-40			60-70	Peaty	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Moraea	HHBB	30-90		X	55-60	Well drained	1/8"
Morina	HP	14-42			50	Peaty	1/16"
Morus	HT	14-30	L		65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5. or No. 14. (Pre-chill for 1-3 months).
Mucuna	GP	21-90			65-75	Peaty	1/4"
Muscari	HBb	42-60			60-65	Well drained	1/16"
Mutisia	H/HHsh	30-90		X	70	Well drained	1/16"
Myosotidium	H/HHP	30-180		X	65-70	Peaty	1/16"
Myosotis	HB	14-30	D		65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5 but keep in total darkness.
Myrrhis	HP	14-42			55-65	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ
Myrtus	HHSH	30-90		X	55-65	Peaty	JC	See No. 13.
Naranjilla	GP	10-30		X	70-80	Peaty	1/16"
Nasturtium	HA	7-12			65	Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ
Nemesia	HHA	7-21			55-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Nemophila	HA	7-21			55	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ.
Neperrthes	GP	30-90		X	75-85	Peaty	S	Don't let compost dry out. See also No.5.
Nepeta	HP	7-21			60-70	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in situ.
Nerine	HHBB	14-21			65-70	Well drained	S	Sow immediately, deep moist and place in a polythene bag.
Nerium	GSh	30-90	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S
Nertera	GP	30-90	D	X	65-70	Well drained	SC	See No. 8.
Nicandra	HA	15-20			70-75	Well drained	JC
Nicotana	HHA	10-20	L		70-75	Well drained	S
Nierembergia	HHP	15-30		X	70-75	Well drained	JC
Nigella	HA	10-15			65-70	Well drained	1/16"	Best sown in situ. Resents transplanting.
Nolana	HHA	14-30			60-70	Well drained	1/16"	Can be sown in situ.
Nomocharis	HBb	30-180	L	X	45-50	Well drained	JC	See No. 16
Notholirion	HI/HHBB	30-180	L	X	45-50	Well drained	JC	See No .16
Nyssa	HT	90-365	L	X	50	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months).
Ocimum	HA	14-42	L		55-60	Well drained	S
Oenothera	HP	15-30	L		65-70	Well drained	JC
Olea	HHT/HT	30-120		X	65-70	Well drained	1/8"
Olearia	H/HHSh	30-60	L		65-70	Well drained	S
Omithogalum	GBb	30-180		X	55-60	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 6
Omphalodes	HP	14-42			65-75	Well drained	1/8"
Onopordon	HP, HB	30-60			55-60	Well drained	1/4"	Can be sown in situ.
Onosma	HP	30-60			50	Well drained	1/16"
Orchid	GP	90-365	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S
Orchis	HBb	90-365	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S
Orphium	GSh	21-42	L		65-70	Well drained	S
Osteospermum	HHA, HP	10-15	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Ostrya	HT	365+	L	X	50-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 16.
Oxalis	HBb	14-60			55-68	Well drained	JC
Pachypodium	GP	30-180	L	X	65-75	Well drained	S
Paeonia	HSh	270+	L	X	70	Well drained	JC	See No. 15.
Paeonia	HP	365+	L	X	50-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 16. Keep shaded and moist.
Palms	GP	60-180		X	75-80	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 2
Pansy	HP	14-21	D	X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks.)
Papaver	HP	10-30	D		55	Well drained	S	Best sown in situ. P. Orientale Needs light for germination.
Paradisea	HP	30-180		X	50	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6
Parnassia	HP	30-180		X	55-65	Peaty	S	Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist.
Parochetus	HP	30-90		X	50	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13.
Parthenocissus	HSh	60-180	L	X	60-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 13 then 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Passiflora	HHP	30-365		X	70-85	Peaty	1/4"	See No. 13. Give the seed container an occasional soaking.
Paulownia	HT	30-60	L		55-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5
Pavonia	GSh	30-60		X	75	Peaty	1/16"
Peanuts	GA	34170			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	Sow and place inside a polythene bag until germination.
Peltiphyllum	H P	30-90	L	X	55-60	Peaty	S	Stand seed pan in a saucer of water to keep soil always moist.
Penstemon	HP	18-21	L		55-60	Well drained	JC	See No.14
Pentas	GP	25-40			70-75	Peaty	S	See No.5
Peperomia	GP	15-30			70-75	Peaty	S	See No.5
Perilla	HHA	15-30	L		65-75	Peaty	S
Petrea	GSh	30-60	L		65-75	Peaty	S
Petunia	HHA	10-21	L		70-75	Peaty	S	F1 hybrids and doubles may need 80F to germinate.
Phacelia	HA	12-30	D		55-65	Well drained	1/4"	Best sown in situ. Total dark required.
Phaeomeria	GP	30-90		X	80	Well drained	1/8"
Phaseolus	GP	30-60			65-70	Well drained	1/16"	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Philadelphus	HSh	30-60			65-70	Well drained	JC
Philodendron	GP	30-120		X	75-80	Peaty	1/16"
Phlomis	HSh	30-90		X	65-75	Well drained	JC
Phlomis	HP	14-42			60	Well drained	JC
Phlox-Annual	HHA	10-21	D		55-65	Peaty	1/16"	Sow direct into pots as it resents transplanting.
Phlox-Perennial	HP	25-30	D	X	70	Peaty	1/16"	See No.14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Phormium	HP	30-180		X	60-65	Peaty	JC
Phuopsis	HP	30-40	L		50-60	Well drained	S
Phygelius	HP	10-14			70-75	Well drained	JC
Phyllodoce	HSh	30-60	L		55-65	Peaty	S
Physalis	HP	21-30	L		70	Well drained	S
Physostegia	HP	21-30			55-75	Peaty	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Phyteuma	HP	30-90		X	55-65	Well drained	JC	See No.6
Phytolacca	HP	30-60		X	65-70	Well drained	1/8"
Picea	HT	30-60	L	X	55	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 21 days).
Pieris	HSh	30-70	L	X	65-70	Acid Peat	S	See No. 5.
Pilea	GP	14-60	L	X	65-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Pinguicula	HHP	30-120	L	X	55	Peaty	S	See No. 5. Use a compost of equal parts peat and sand.
Pinus	HT	30-60	L	X	55-65	Well drained	S	Soak seed, then No14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Pittosporum	HHSh	30-60		X	55	Well drained	1/16"	Place seeds in a bag and dip in boiling water for a few seconds.
Platycodon	HP	15-30	L		70	Well drained	S
Platystemon	HA	14-30			55-65	Well drained	1/16"	Sow in situ
Plumbago	GP	25-30			70	Well drained	JC
Plumneria	GP	30-180		X	65-75	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 13.
Podolepis	HHA	21-30	L		65-70	Well drained	S
Podophyllum	HP	30-180	L	X	55-60	Peaty	JC	Pre-chill for 3 weeks. Keep compost always moist.
Polemonium	HP	20-25			70	Peaty	1/16"	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Polygala	HSh	30-60	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Polygonatum	HP	30-545		X	50	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6.
Polygonum	HP, HHA	21-60		X	70-75	Peaty	1/16"	Do not overwater
Portulaca	HHA	14-21	L		70-85	Well drained	S
Potentilla	HP	14-30			65-70	Well drained	JC
Poterium	HP	30-60		X	50	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Proboscidia	GA/HHA	15-42		X	70-75	Peaty	1/4"
Protea	HHT	30-90		X	65-75	Peaty	1/4"	Sow immediately.
Prunella	HP	30-60			55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Prunus	HT	120-365	L	X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"	Soak overnight then see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 months).
Pseudotsuga	HT	30-180	L -	X	75	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 8 weeks).
Psidium		30-60		X	70-75	Peaty	JC	See No. 13.
Ptelia	HSh/HT	80-120			55-60	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Pulmonaria	HP	30-42			60-65	Peaty	JC
Pulsatilla	HP	30-180		X	60-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 6. Trim 'tails' off seeds before sowing
Punica	HHSH	30-40	L		70-75	Well drained	S	See No. 13
Pyracantha	HSh	40-180	L	X	50	Peaty	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 6 weeks).
Pyrethum	HHA, HP	30-60		X	55	Well drained	JC	Doubleness of flowers increases in 2nd year.
Pyrola	HSh	30-90	L	X	55	Peaty	S
Quercus	HT	120-365	L	X	50	Peaty	JC	Soak for 24 hours, then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months).
Ramonda	HP	30-60	L	X	55-60	Well drained	S
Ranunculus	HP	30-90		X	50	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6.
Raoulia	HP	30-90	L	X	55-60	Well drained	S
Ratibida	HA/HB/HP	21-42			68-75	Well drained	1/8"	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Rechsteineria	GBb	30-60			70	Well drained	JC
Rehmannia	H/HHP	21-42	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Reseda	HB, HA	5-21	L		70	Well drained	S	Extra care required when transplanting.
Rhaeo	GP	14-60			65-70	Peaty	JC	See No. 13. (Soak for 1/2 hour).
Rheum	HP	21-42			60-65	Peaty	1/8"
Rhodanthe	HHA	14-30			75-80	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in situ
Rhodatypos	HSh	365+	L	X	55-65	Peaty	JC	See No. 15. (3 months at 70F, 3 months chill, 3 months at 70'F).
Rhodochiton	HHP	12-42		X	60-65	Peaty	JC
Rhododendron	HSh	50-90	L	X	55-60	Acid Peat	S	See No. 6. Keep shaded from direct sun.
Rhodohypoxis	HP	30-90		X	50	Well drained	JC	Lime free compost required.
Rhus	HSh	30-90		X	65-70	Well drained	JC	Chip or soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Ricinus	HHA	15-21			70-75	Peaty	1/4"	These seeds are poisonous.
Robinia	HT	34179	L		65-75	Well drained	S	See No. 13. Soak in hand hot water.
Rochea	HHP	14-42	L		60-70	PBM	S	See No. 5.
Rodgersia	HP	12-60	L		55-60	Peaty	S
Rosa	HSh	30-365+	L	X	55	Well drained	JC	See No. 16 or No.14. (Pre-chill for 3 months).
Roscoea	HP	30-365	L	X	50-55	Well drained	S	See No. 16.
Rothmannia	HHSh	30-90		X	70-75	Peaty	1/8"	See No. 13. (Soak for 5 hours).
Rudbeckia	HHA, HP	34109	L		70	Peaty	S	Fulgida see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Ruella	HP	30-60		X	65-75	Peaty	JC
Ruta	HP	30-42			60-65	Well drained	JC
Sagina	HP	10-21			55	Well drained	JC
Saintpaulia	GP	30-60	L	X	70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Salpiglossis	HHA	15-30	D	X	70-75	Peaty	S
Salvia	HHA, HA	10-14	L	X	68-80	Well drained	S	For Patens & Superba see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Sandersonia	HHBB	30-90		X	75	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 13.
Sanguinaria	HP	30-90		X	50-55	Well drained	1/16"
Sanguisorba	HP	30-60			50-55	Well drained	S
Santolina	HSh	15-30			-70	Well drained	JC
Sanvitalia	HA	10-21	L		70	Well drained	S	Take care when transplanting.
Saponaria	HA, HP	10-21	L		70	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Sarcococca	HSh	30-120			55-65	Peaty	JC
Sarracenia	HP	30-90	L	X	75-80	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 7 days) then No. 5.
Saxifraga	HP	15-60		X	65-75	Well drained	JC	See No. 6.
Scabiosa	HA	10-15		X	70-75	Well drained	1/16"
Schefflera	GSh	20-30			75	Peaty	1/16"
Schizanthus	GA	7-14			60-75	Peaty	S
Schizopetalon	HHA	6-21	D		60-65	Well drained	1/16"
Schizostylis	HBb	30-90		X	55-60	Well drained	1/16"
Scilla	HP	30-180		X	50	Peaty	1/16"	See No. 6.
Scutellaria	HP	14-180		X	50	Well drained	JC
Sedum	HP	15-30		X	50	Well drained	S	See No. 6.
Sempervivum	HP	15-30		X	70	Well drained	S
Senecio	HHA	10-21	L		65-75	Well drained	1/16"
Sequoia	HT	7-60	L	X	9/6/96	Peaty	S
Setcreasia	HHP	30-40			70	Peaty	JC
Shortia	HP	30-60		X	60-65	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Sidalcea	HP	14-42			50	Well drained	1/8"
Silene	HP	15-20			70	Well drained	JC	Can be sown in situ.
Silybum	HA	14-21			55-60	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ.
Simmondsia	HHT	14-21			65-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 13. (Soak for 12 hours).
Sinningia	GP	10-21	L		70	Peaty	S
Sisyrinchium	HP	30-180		X	50	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6.
Skimmia	HSh	30-180	L	X	50-60	Acid Peat	S	Soak overnight then No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Smilacena	HP	30-180	L	X	60-65	Peaty	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Smithiantha	GP	15-40	L		75-77	Peaty	S	Very small seeds
Solanum	GP	15-21	L		70-80	Well drained	S	The plants should be placed outdoors through the summer for pollination.
Soldanella	HP	30-180	L	X	55-60	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Solidago	HP	14-42			50	Well drained	JC
Sophora	HT	10-21			70-85	Well drained	JC	Chip and soak seeds. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Sorbus	HT	120-180	L	X	65-70	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 months).
Sparaxis	HBb	30-90		X	50-55	Well drained	1/16"
Sparmannia	GSh	21-30			65-75	Peaty	JC
Spartium	HSh	7-30			70	Well drained	JC	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Specularia	HA	12-30			-	Well drained	1/16"	Sow outdoors and thin out.
Spigelia	H/HHP	30-60	L		65-70	Well drained	JC	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Spiraea	HSh	30-40			55-65	Well drained	JC
Stachys	HP	15-30	L		70	Well drained	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night. Grow on the dry side.
Stapelia	GP	7-30	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	Use 1/2 peat 1/2 sand.
Stenocarpus	HHT	30-90		X	65-75	Well drained	JC
Stephanotis	GP	15-90		X	75-80	Peaty	1/16"	Keep the compost slightly moist.
Stereospermum	GSh	30-18O		X	65-75	Well drained	JC
Stocks	HHA	10-14	L		55-60	Well drained	S	Sow in situ..
Stokesia	HP	25-30			70	Peaty	1/16"
Strelitzia	GP	30-180		X	70-75	Sand	S	See No. 1. Soak for up to 3 days changing the water daily.
Streptocarpus	GP	15-30	L		55-65	Peaty	S	Very small seeds. See No. 5.
Streptosolon	HHSh	30-90		X	55-65	Well drained	1/16"
Stylomecon	HA	14-21			-	Well drained	1/16"	Sow outdoors and thin out to 6".
Styrax	HSh	30-90		X	55-65	Well drained	JC
Succisa	HP	10-21		X	65-70	Well drained	JC
Sutherlandia	H/HHSh	21-30			60-65	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 13. (Soak for 3 hours).
Sweet Pea	HA	10-20	D		55-65	Peaty	Y4,	File or soak seeds. See No. 12 and No. 13. Grow cool.
Symphyandra	HP	21-30	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Syringa	HSh	14-60	L		70	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 weeks).
Tacca	GP	30-270		X	80-85	Peaty	1/8"	Soak for 72 hours. See No. 13.
Tacitus	HHP	30-90	L	X	50-60	Well drained	S
Tamarix	HSh	30-50	L		65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Taxodium	HT	14-60	L		70	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 30 days).
Taxus	HT	365+	L	X	70	Peaty	JC	See No. 15. (3 months at 70'F, 3 months chill, 3 months at 70'F.
Tecophilaea	HBb	30-365		X	50-55	Peaty	1/16"	Keep compost slightly moist.
Tellima	HP	30-90		X	55-60	Well drained	S	See No. 6.
Tephrosia	HP	21-42			65-70	Well drained	JC	Chip and soak. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Tetranema	GP	14-30			65-75	Peaty	JC
Teucrium	HP	25-30			70	Well drained	S
Thalictrum	HP	15-21		X	50-60	Well drained	1/8"
Thermopsis	HP	15-30			70	Well drained	1/16"	File or soak the seeds. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Thuja	HSh	14-60	L	X	55	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Thunbergia	HHA	14-21		X	70-75	Peaty	JC	Keep the compost slightly moist.
Thymus	HP	15-30	L		55	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Tiarelia	HP	14-90		X	50	Well drained	S	See No. 6.
Tibouchina	GSh	30-90	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Tigridia	H/HHBb	30-90			55-60	Well drained	1/16"
Tillandsia	GP	30-90	L	X	60-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Tithonia	HHA	5-14	L	X	70-	Well drained	S
Torenia	GA	15-30	L		70-75	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Townsendia	HP	30-90		X	60	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 6.
Trachelium	HHP	15-21	L		55-60	Well drained	S
Trachycarpus	HT	40-90	L	X	55-65	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 4 weeks).
Trachymene	HHA	15-30	D		70	Well drained	1/16"	Transplant carefully.
Tradescantia	HP	30-40			70	Peaty	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Tree Fems	HHP	30-120	L	X	65-70	Peaty	S	See No. 4.
Trichosanthes	HHA	14-30			65-75	Peaty	1"	Sow singly in 2" pots.
Tricyrtis	HP	30-90		X	65-70	Well drained	1/8"	Keep compost slighty moist.
Trillium	HP	545+		X	60-70	Well drained	S	See No. 15. Requires two periods of at least 3 months in the frig.
Tripteris	HA	5-14			60-65	Well drained	1/8"	Can be sown in situ.
Trollius	HP	30-365		X	50	Well drained	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Tropaeolum	HA	10-15			55-65	Peaty	1/4"	Can be sown in situ
Trop. Speciosum	HP	360-720		X	55-60	Well drained	JC
Tsuga	HT	7-60	L	X	60	Peaty	S	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 3 months).
Tulipa	HBb	60-90		X	50	Well drained	1/8"	See No. 6.
Tunica	HP	14-60		X	50	Well drained	1/1,	See No. 6
Tweedia	GP	30-90		X	75	Well drained	JC
Ulex	HSh	14-21			65-75	Well drained	JC	See No. 13.
Urospermum	HP/HB	16-30	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Ursinia	HHA	14-30			55-60	Well drained	JC
Uvularia	HP	30-180		X	55-60	Peaty	JC
Vaccinium	HSh	365+	L	X	65-75	Acid Peat	S	See No. 16.
Vallota	HHBB	30-60			65-70	Peaty	1/16"
Veltheimia	HHBB	30-90		X	55-65	Peaty	1/16"	Keep compost slightly moist
Venidium	HHA	6-14			60-65	Peaty	1/8"
Veratrum	HP	90-365		X	55-60	Well drained	<"	See No. 6 and No. 16.
Verbascum	HB, HP	14-30			55-60	Well drained	1/16"	Can be grown in situ
Verbena	HHA, HP	14-90	D	X	65	Well drained	1/16"	V.Bonariensis & V. Venosa: see No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Verbesina	HHA	14-30			60-65	Well drained	1/8"
Veronica	HP	15-30	L		70	Peaty	JC	Reduce soil temperature at night.
Veronicastrum	HP	21-40	L		55-60	Well drained	JC
Viburnum	HSh	240-540	L	X	70	Well drained	JC	See No. 15. (3 months 70F, 3 months chill, 3 months 70F).
Vicia	HP	21-40			65-70	Well drained	JC
Vinca	GA	15-30	D	X	70-75	Peaty	1/16"
Viola	HP	14-21	D	X	65-75	Well drained	1/16"	See No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Viscaria	HA	10-21			60-65	Well drained	JC
Vriesia	GP	7-90	L	X	60.7	Peaty	S	See No. 5.
Wahlenbergia	HHA	14-28	L		60-70	Well drained	S
Wallflower	HB	10-14			-70	Well drained	1/4"	Sow in reserve bed, prick out 6" apart, plant out in October.
Waterlily	GP	14-30						File seed and submerge in water at 75-85'F, change water twice daily.
Watsonia	HBb	30-180		X	55-65	Well drained	1/8"	Keep the compost slimy moist.
Wisteria	HSh	30-60			55-65	Well drained	1/8"	Chip and soak in hand hot water. See No. 12 and No. 13.
Xeranthemum	HA	10-15			70	Well drained	JC	Transplant carefully.
Xeraphyllum	HP	30-60		X	55-60	Peaty	JC
Yucca	HA	30-365		X	65-75	Well drained	JC	Filamentosa germinates at 55'F.
Zantedeschia	HHP	30-90	L	X	70-80	Peaty	S	See No. 13. Keep compost quite moist.
Zauschneria	H/HHP	30-60	L		60-65	Well drained	JC
Zea	HHA	5-14			70	Peaty	1/4"	Sow seeds individually in peat pots.
Zelkova	HT	14-60	L	X	50-70	Peaty	S	See No. 5 or No. 14. (Pre-chill for 2 weeks).
Zinnia	HHA	10-24			75-80	Peaty	1/16"	Sow seeds individually in peat pots.

The "X" stands for slow and irregular germination.

HINTS ON SEED RAISING

1. Strelitzia and similar

Do not chip or mark the seedcoat at all but merely remove the orange tuft and soak for up to 2 hours, or even overnight. Sow the seeds in moist sand, pressing them into the sand until only a small part of the black seed is visible and grow in a temperature of 75'F in the dark and ensure that the sand always remains moist. From 7 days onwards inspect the container once a week and as soon as any bulges, roots or shoots are seen remove the germinated seed and pot up in a compost of half peat and half sand. We find that Strelitzias often produce a root without a shoot and we have also found that the young shoots and roots are susceptible to fungal attack. Therefore as soon as possible pot up and provide light and fresh air. Germination can start within 7 days and carry on for 6 months or more.

2. Palms; Banana; Coffee; Mini-Orange; Tea; Cycads and similar

All these items can take several months to germinate and are very erratic in germination. Soak for at least 2 hours in warm water before sowing. (After soaking the parchment shell on the Coffee seeds should be removed with the fingernail). Sow in Levington or Arthur Bowers compost and place in the dark in a temperature of 75F, keeping the compost moist at all times, but not wet. Inspect regularly and occasionally dig around in the compost with a penknife. We normally sow our seeds just below the surface of the soil and we have found that sometimes they make a very vigorous root without producing a shoot at all. If you find a seed with a root then it should be excavated and potted up into a 3-4' pot immediately when it will produce a shoot. Cycads prefer to be potted up into a compost of half sand and half peat. The Tea requires the above treatment but in a lower temperature of 60-65'F.

3. Clivia and similar

Sow these seeds immediately on receipt in Levington or a peat based compost, covering with a 1/2 " compost. Water and place in the dark in a temperature of 65-70'F. Germination should occur within 3 weeks.

4. Ferns (Garden and Indoor)

The fern spore needs a fine film of moisture over which to swim in order to complete the process of reproduction, therefore a good peat compost, such as Levington, ought to be used pressed down very firmly and which is a lot more moist than one would normally have it in order to provide the moisture film. The spore (seed) should be sprinkled close together on the surface of the soil and not covered and the container should be covered with a piece of glass and placed in diffused light, but not darkness. It is essential to ensure that the compost remains moist at all times. Germination, which commences with the appearance of a film of green jelly over the soil, can take anything from 1 -5 months.

You may wish to try germinating the fern spore on blotting paper which is placed in a saucer and kept moist at all times. A transparent cover is inverted over the saucer and the whole lot placed in a well lit but not sunny position. You can actually see the fern spores developing and when you can see small plantlettes appearing along the jelly the blotting paper should be lifted and placed on the surface of a container of Levington compost and watered well. It should then be covered with a transparent cover which can remain there until the plants are quite large.

5. Bromeliads; Cineraria; Calceolaria; Insect Eaters (Drosera, Nepenthes, Sarracenias); Living Stones; Meconopsis; Rubber Plants; Saintpaulia; Streptocarpus; Tibouchina; Xmas Cactus; Begonia and similar

These seeds should be sown on the surface of the compost and not covered. The compost should be quite moist and we would recommend that you cover the seed container with a piece of glass or clear plastic and leave in a temperature of approximately 65'F in a position which receives diffused light. Once some of the seeds have germinated air should be admitted gradually otherwise the seedlings may damp off.

Alternatively the seeds can be sown on to moist blotting paper or kitchen towel placed in a saucer. Cover with a transparent cover and place on a windowsill which receives plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Keep the blotting paper wet at all times and when the tiny seedlings are large enough to handle prick out into small pots. If the INSECT EATERS are sown using the first method described the compost requires to be both moist yet free draining. Use only pure peat with no fertiliser added to which sphagnum moss should be added if available.

6. Alstroemeria; Bonsai; Clematis; Hardy Cyclamen; Eucalyptus; Flower Lawn; Helleborus; Hosta; Primula; Iris and similar.

Sowing OCTOBER-FEBRUARY. Sow the seeds in John Innes seed compost, covering them with a thin layer of compost. After watering place the seed container outside against a North wall or in a cold frame, making sure they are protected against mice, and leave them there until the spring. The compost should be kept moist but not wet at all times, and if the seed containers are out in the open then some shelter has to be given against excessive rain. In the spring bring the seed containers into the greenhouse, or indoors on to a well lit but not sunny windowsill and keep the compost moist. This should trigger off germination. If the seeds do not germinate in the spring keep them in cool moist conditions throughout the summer. As each seed germinates we would recommend that you transplant it almost immediately into its own pot.

Sowing MARCH-SEPTEMBER. Sow in John Innes seed compost, or something similar, and place each container in a olythene bag and put into the refrigerator (not the freezer compartment) for 2-3 weeks. After this time place the containers outside in a cold frame or plunge them up to the rims in a shady part of the garden border and cover with glass or clear plastic. Some of the seeds may germinate during the spring and summer and these should be transplanted when large enough to handle. The remainder of the seeds may lay dormant until next spring.

Germination of some items, particularly Alstroemeria, Clematis, Hardy Cyclamen and Christmas Rose (Helleborus) may take take 18 months or more.

An alternative method for growing Primulas is to sow in a peat based compost which as already been moistened and do not cover the seed. Cover the container with a piece of glass or plastic and grow in the dark in a steady temperature of 60F. This is quite adequate and over 65'F germination will be inhibited. When the seeds start to germinate sprinkle a thin layer of fine compost over them and when the seed leaves come through this, move the box to a well lit place with a temperature of 55'F. At no time should the seed box be in full sun.

Hardy Cyclamen have been found to germinate best in total darkness at around 55-60'F. We have had good results with the following method. Place the seeds between two pieces of damp filter paper, Kleenex tissue, etc., then put into a polythene bag and place this into an opaque container in order to exclude all light. Inspect the seeds after a month and remove and prick out as the seedlings appear, returning the ungerminated seeds to total darkness.

7. Freesia

Soak the seeds for 24 hours and sow in Levington compost, or something similar, and place in a temperature of 50-60'F. Germination can sometimes be slow.

8. Nertera Granadensis (Bead Plant)

We recently found that this subject requires a well drained compost which is completely free from fertiliser (e.g. moss peat and sand in equal parts). Sow by barely covering the seed and place a sheet of glass over the container, and leave in a temperature of 65-75'F. Turn the glass daily as excessive condensation can kill the young seedlings. On germination the seedlings look very thin and spindly and the glass should be removed almost immediately and the seed container moved to a well lit but not sunny position. Prick out as soon as possible into a compost of 50% pure peat and 50% sand. Keep moist and shaded until established.

9. Cactus and similar

Make very shallow furrows in compost with a plant label and sow in these. No seed should be completely buried. Water from beneath and cover with glass and brown paper or black Polythene. Place in a dark position in a temperature of 70-75F and keep moist. On germinating move to a light but not sunny windowsill, give plenty of ventilation and water from beneath. Pot up when they begin to overcrowd. During the first winter only keep warm and do not allow to get too dry. If it is not possible to grow warm then keep them drier. Subsequent years keep relatively dry through the winter. Can be planted outside, plunged to the rim, all summer if required.

10. Lilies

Successful germination of seeds of some lilies requires a period of warmth followed by one of cold.

Method 1. Put seeds in a screw top jar in moist (not wet) peat and keep at 70-75F for 3-4 months. Inspect regularly, any normal seedlings (that is having root and seedling leaves) should be pricked out as they germinate. Any seeds which produce roots but not seedling leaves, sow in a pan and keep at 32-40'F for 3 months. Seed leaves and normal growth will follow.

Method 2. Sow in a pan in summer (warm spell); put in a frame (or outside covered by a piece of glass) for the winter. Seeds will germinate in spring. Soil Humus rich (peat or leafmould) lime free and very free drainage (use 1/3 grit). Never overwater, keep bulbs almost dry from November to March.

11. For more delicate seeds

A method which has proved useful for not only small delicate seeds but for a wide range of types is the Polythene bag method.

The seeds should be sown on the surface of the moist compost, covered to their recommended depth if necessary and the container is then placed inside a Polythene bag after which the end is sealed with an elastic band. The bag should 'fog-up' with condensation within 24 hours and if this does not occur place the container almost up to its rim in moisture until the soil surface glistens, then replace in the bag and reseal. The bag is not removed and normally no more watering is required until the seeds germinate. However, it is wise, if left for a long period to check the compost occasionally.

The seed container, bag etc. should be placed in a well lit place with a steady temperature. As soon as a fair number of the seedlings emerge remove the polythene bag, lower the temperature a few degrees and provide plenty of light, but not bright sunshine, to ensure that sturdy seedlings develop. It is also helpful to spray the seedlings occasionally for the first 14 days.

SPECIAL TREATMENT

12. Hard Seeds-Chipping

Some seeds, e.g. Sweet peas, lpomaea etc., have hard seed coats which prevent moisture being absorbed by the seed. All that is needed is for the outer surface to be scratched or abraided to allow water to pass through. This can be achieved by chipping the seed with a sharp knife at a part furthest away from the 'eye', by rubbing lightly with sandpaper or with very small seed pricking carefully once with a needle etc.

Some of our geranium seeds have already been treated in this way when you receive them.

13. Hard Seeds -Soaking

Soaking is beneficial in two ways; it can soften a hard seed coat and also leach out any chemical inhibitors in the seed which may prevent germination. 24 hours in water which starts off hand hot is usually sufficient. If soaking for longer the water should be changed daily. Seeds of some species (e.g. Cytisus, Caragana, Clianthus) swell up when they are soaked. If some seeds of a batch do swell within 24 hours they should be planted immediately and the remainder pricked gently with a pin and returned to soak. As each seed swells it should be removed and sown before it has time to dry out.

14. Stratification (cold treatment)

Some seeds need a period of moisture and cold after harvest before they will germinate-usually this is necessary to either allow the embryo to mature or to break dormancy. This period can be artificially stimulated by placing the moistened seed in a refrigerator for a certain period of time (usually 3- 5 weeks at around 41 F). With tiny seeds it is best to sow them on moistened compost, seal the container in a Polythene bag and leave everything in the refrigerator for the recommended period. However, larger seeds can be mixed with 2-3 times their volume of damp peat, placed direct into a Polythene bag which is sealed and placed in the refrigerator. Look at seeds from time to time. The seeds must be moist whilst being pre-chilled, but it doesn't usually benefit them to be actually in water or at temperatures below freezing.

Light also seems to be beneficial after prechilling and so pre-chilled seeds should have only the lightest covering of compost over them, if any is required, and the seed trays etc. should be in the light and not covered with brown paper etc.

15. Double Dormancy

Some seeds have a combination of dormancies and each one has to be broken in turn and in the right sequence before germination can take place; for example, some Lilies, Tree paeonies, Taxus need a three month warm period (68-86'F) during which the root develops and then a three month chilling to break dormancy of the shoots, before the seedling actually emerges. Trillium needs a three month chill followed by three months of warmth and then a further three month chill before it will germinate.

16. Outdoor treatment

The above mentioned methods (12-15) accelerate the germination process and help to prevent seeds being lost due to external hazards (mice, disease, etc.) but outdoor sowing is just as effective albeit longer. The seeds are best sown in containers of free draining compost and placed in a cold frame or plunged up to their rim outdoors in a shaded part of the garden, preferably on the north side of the house avoiding cold drying winds and strong sun.

Recent tests show that much of the beneficial effects of pre-chilling are lost if the seed is not exposed to light immediately afterwards. We therefore recommend sowing the seeds very close to the surface of the soil and covering the container with a sheet of glass. An alternative method especially with larger seeds, is to sow the seed in a well prepared ground, cover with a jam jar and press this down well into the soil so that the seeds are enclosed and safe from predators, drying out etc.

We would also recommend you consult No. 6 which contains further practical suggestions regarding the special treatment of seeds.