Calochortus seed
Mary Sue Ittner (Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:53:24 PST)

Hi,

The Robinetts often suggested starting the seed of some Calochortus species
after the danger of frost was over, not in the fall as one might expect in
a Mediterranean climate. Since I don't routinely use fungicides in sowing
seed and live in a climate with wet winters and a lot of humidity, I found
starting Calochortus seed in the fall outside didn't work well for me at
all. The seed germinated well, but afterwards died. Since I've changed my
timing to late January-February I've had much better success. Usually the
seed doesn't come up for a month and by then the outside temperatures and
humidity are much more accommodating. I still shelter this seed from the
rain, but otherwise leave it outside and keep it in growth as long as
possible. The second year the seedlings that return seem able to tolerate
my weather without so many problems although I still shelter the southern
California species from more arid parts of the state. So I think Bob
Werra's offer of Calochortus seed to the BX comes at a good time for the
northern hemisphere. Also Calochortus seed can be kept for a long time
without losing its viability so could be kept until next year and started
then as well.

#7 in the latest BX is probably Calochortus vestae
Bob grows a pretty one with pink flowers although the white one I grow is
nicely marked too. So the seed could be from that one.

Mary Sue

Mary Sue Ittner
California's North Coast
Wet mild winters with occasional frost
Dry mild summers