Brugmansia Seed Starting

[John]

Something I wrote some time back, thought I'd post it for anyone interested and looking for information~

BRUGMANSIA Seed Starting Information

1. Brugmansia seeds have a corky outer coating, which covers the actual seed; the seed resembles a small bean. Soaking and peeling will increase germination. Seeds can be peeled of the outer corky covering either before or after soaking. It will often be easier to soak first, then peel, using the fingernails, and trying to avoid damaging the seed itself. Another good reason to soak and peel your seed is to prevent the corky covering from remaining attached to the seed head when it sprouts. If this happens it will most likely come off by itself, particularly if care is taken to mist it with water to keep it moist.

2. Seeds may be soaked anywhere from a few hours, to 24 or 48 hours, even up to 72 hours. Water should be warm room temperature. Change water daily.

3. Seeds should be planted in sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix. Plant seeds shallowly, even just pressed into the surface, as they require light for good germination. The mix should be keep moist, but never wet or soggy. A plastic cover over the seed flat, or plastic wrap, is recommended. Misting might be preferable to watering, if necessary.

4. Bottom heat will assist germination. A heat mat may be used, or the seed tray may be place on top of the refrigerator.

5. Starting Brugmansia seeds requires some patience. Although some seeds may sprout anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks, it may often take a month or even two months. And they will not all germinate at the same time. Sometimes the later-sprouting seeds will give the best plants!

6. Flowering may begin at any time from 4 months up to 18 or 24 months.

7. Seedlings may be transplanted from the seed flats to small individual pots when they have one, or better yet, two sets of true leaves (not counting the seed-leaves).

8. When the seedlings have 4 sets of true leaves, they may be fertilized with a dilute solution of MiracleGro or other 10-10-10 fertilizer, 1 teaspoon dissolved in 1 gallon water.

9. Keep good records! Label your seed flats and containers with the name of the cross, (pod parent x pollen parent), and hybridizer.

Hope this helps you to get your seeds off to a great start.

[kHT]

Thanks for the information as some of us are starting seeds.

[tsneal]

Thanks John! I have some soaking...better get them planted tomorrow.

Stephanie

[eastwood2007]

Hi! Thanks for the info. Is the same thing applicable to Datura?

[John]

Hi Charla,

No, Datura seeds are quite different. I find many of the Datura respond well to winter-sowing, something that I would not do with Brugmansia.

Karma may have some advice on Datura.

Thanks,

John

[kHT]

eastwood2007, there are two types of Datura seeds. Some are hard shelled which we do plant in the fall and those that look like tomato seeds which we plant in the spring. We just soak the last ones like we do the brugmansia and plant, no peeling of those. We have found that the D. metel varieties shouldn't be planted in the fall but can if they are in the garage over the winter months.

Also on that label one should note the hybidizer, too!!

[eastwood2007]

Karma, I just got a small assortment of Datura metel seeds from a mail order. It says on the package to start them inside 6-8 weeks before last frost. Is that what you would recommend? Are there any tricks to it? I know you are our resident expert. I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks in advance!