Lewisia seedling success

[maggiepie]

Helen, what Lesley described is the general norm for perennials - blooming in "the second year" (i.e. after one "dormant" period).

Lori, Just off the top of my head I can think of some perennials that will flower first season from seed, including some delphiniums, hardy geraniums and poppies.

[Lesley Cox]

I don't think Lewisias in general need a "dormant" period before flowering, it's just a matter of having enough time to grow to the right size. I'd be surprised if they flowered in spring if sown the immediately preceeding winter but I never sow anything in winter and never under lights, so you'd have to try to see.

[David Pilling]

I got some lewisia cotyledon seed from the SRGC seedex in January 2008, it germinated immediately outside (mild Winter here of course) and one or two flowered at the end of August 2008.

I got around 80 plants, so those that flowered were quite rare.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

I got some lewisia cotyledon seed from the SRGC seedex in January 2008, it germinated immediately outside (mild Winter here of course) and one or two flowered at the end of August 2008.

I got around 80 plants, so those that flowered were quite rare.

I have exactly the same experience with sown Lewisia cot...
sown in January - germinated in March/April - potted on in May/early June - some (few) will flower in September, but the lot surely the following Spring !

[maggiepie]

I don't think Lewisias in general need a "dormant" period before flowering, it's just a matter of having enough time to grow to the right size. I'd be surprised if they flowered in spring if sown the immediately preceeding winter but I never sow anything in winter and never under lights, so you'd have to try to see.

Lesley, I fiddle with seeds indoors all winter, is lots of fun and helps make the long winter more bearable.
After seeing David and Luc's comments I think I will look for some seed in this year's seed exchange, one more new plant to try 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

You won't regret it Helen !!

[maggiepie]

You won't regret it Helen !!

I just need to remember, Luc.
Think it might be a good idea to start a list now .

[Lori S.]

Yes, Helen, one can always find a exceptions to generalities, depending also on when the seeds were started.  (To my mild disappointment, I've also had the odd one go the other way, taking 3 or 4 years to bloom from seed... yikes!)  I imagine the main factor is that the season outdoors - here, at least- is much shorter than for many of the other posters on this forum... when I start perennials indoors in Jan-Mar, then move them outdoors for planting, I don't get many at all that bloom in the first year, oh well.

[maggiepie]

here, at least- is much shorter for many of the other posters on this forum...

Am starting to think your season is longer than mine 
Zones do not make sense to me.

[Lori S.]

Oooops, I just realized I had a typo in there which I have now corrected (to say, "our season is much shorter than for many of the other posters") but I think you understood my intent anyway!

P.S. A delightful exception to my usual observation was that, last year, Petrocoptis pyrenaica ssp. glaucifolia bloomed in the house under the lights, in about 3 months from seed!  But... will it be hardy here??

[Paul T]

Howdy All,

I thought I'd add this to the existing topic (I've modified the topic name slightly, as I've made this a bit wider now than just Lewisia cotyledon).  I've sown more Lewisia this year, this time a few different species.  Those sown in April are already well up, while those sown in around June have been a bit slower in their response.  I'm amazed at just how different the leaves of the different species are, so I have photos of 4 species to show anyone who is interested..... Lewisias tweedyi, nevadensis, brachycalyx and rediviva.  All have quite different thickness or texture to the leaves (particularly the tweedyi, which are much broader and thinner than the others), more so than it appears in the pictures.

These seedlings all exist thanks to the generosity of a friend from the SRGC who sent the seed to me.  The later seedlings I mentioned are from yet another of our SRGCers.  Thanks guys!!  

Enjoy.

Please click on the pic for a larger version.

[Maggi Young]

Thanks, Paul; I do think it useful to see pictures like these.... it is all very well to get excited about wonderful pix of mature flowering plants.... and who doesn't enjoy that?!! .......but it is very instructive for beginners to see what seedlings look like.... it helps them know if they have the right thing..... saves accidental weeding of precious babies!!.... and gives an idea of how much development can be expected over a given period.
Thanks!! 

[Paul T]

Maggi,

I'll photograph some of the young cotyledon seedlings I have coming along now as well.  That shows them when they are small, instead of these ones which were larger.  I guess I should really be pricking these larger ones out into individual pots by now, shouldn't I!    I never seem to get anything done at home. I'm the perfect procrastinator!! 

[Maggi Young]

Excellent idea, Paul, for further pix.

Have to disagree with your claiming of perfect procrastinator title.... in truth I am the world record holder in all aspects of procrastination.... except one.........."never leave till tomorrow some chocolate which could be eaten today"   

[Carlo]

I've got you both beat on that score (and not very proud of it!)...but that's another topic entirely...