Sow bulb seeds now?

[Mark Griffiths]

My AGS seed has just arrived. It includes a few Alliums and Narcissus - should I sow them now or wait until spring?

[Yann]

I'll say now, Narcissus need cool nights to germinate. I sown my last batch of Allium, Bellevalia 2 week ago and some of the seeds are already germinated.

[Maggi Young]

yes, now.

[Lewis Potter]

I got some Fritillaria seed in the SRGC exchange. When is the best time to sow it? Are some species different than others?

[Maggi Young]

Mediterranean species  are best kept till next August  but  the  North American, Chinese  and some other Asian species will give you some germination soon if you sow now.

[Mark Griffiths]

thanks! 

[Lewis Potter]

Thanks Maggi. Is there a maximum limit to sowing? sorry for the late reply, been so busy planning for the ideal home show I haven't been here to look at anything.

[Maggi Young]

You can sow almost anytime , Lewis -  bulb seed  tends to be more fussy - since if you miss its "time window" it can easily rot. But if you  sow it and keep  the pots in good conditions - not tooo hot  or cold etc - then many seeds are very forgiving.
For the most part, I prefer to sow  before the plants would be growing naturally, since many  seeds will germinate at the time when their "parent" plants are starting into  growth.   Does that help?

[David Nicholson]

Feeling better Maggi?

[Maggi Young]

Not really, thanks, David!   Got too much to do to  languish though, so back to work.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Sorry to hear that, there's a Scottish beverage which should help.

[David Nicholson]

Numbs, but doesn't cure, but worth a small glassful, say every ten minutes!

[Maggi Young]

You lot are no help - kind, but no help - I cannot work if pie-eyed!

[Lewis Potter]

Yes that does. Thank you.

PS. Get better soon.

[Maggi Young]

Thanks, Lewis !