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- How to sow lewisia seed
How to sow lewisia seed
Lewisia seed requires a period of cold to germinate successfully. We recommend sowing in February or March, either in a cold greenhouse, cold frame, or even outdoors in the shelter of a north wall. (Artificial heat is quite unnecessary, but some protection from very severe cold is advisable).
We use a good quality multi-purpose compost and 6in dwarf plastic pots. Fill the pots to within 1/2in of the top, level and water well. Sow about 50 seeds per pot, and cover very lightly with vermiculite and/or grit. Place in a shady position, and cover with an upturned pot or tray. Germination can be fast in ideal conditions (within 14 days), but usually takes about a month.
Be aware that sometimes high temperatures can delay germination for up to six months. If you want to raise seedlings during the summer, sow them in the usual way in moist compost and place in a refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks (not the freezer compartment). Then remove to a cool shady place and await germination. Keep a close watch because we have known seeds germinate whilst in the refrigerator.
Evergreen hybrids and species should be pricked out when seedlings are large enough to handle, putting 24 seedlings per standard seed tray. Grow on in the greenhouse, or cold-frame, keeping cool and well ventilated, and just before the leaves begin to touch, pot on into 3.5 inch pots. Use John Innes No 2 with added peat and perlite for both pricking out and potting on. When well established in the pots, plant out in their permanent positions in the rock garden, or scree, or grow on in the alpine house, potting on as necessary. Deciduous species may be left in their pan for the first year. Pot or re-pan them in October.
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