Quick bloom from seed
Mary Sue Ittner (Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:03:15 PST)

Hi,

We had a discussion early in this list about plants that could be grown
from flower to seed in a year or less. I think that Diane Whitehead was
keeping track. It seemed that having a long growing season helped and a lot
of light. One of our Western Australian members (no longer on this list)
had great success and we assumed that her greater light might have been a
factor although perhaps it was skill as well. The Gladiolus example was
started in March when the daylight hours would be longer. Was the intent
just to bloom them once and then toss them or was there any information
about how they did in later years? Gladiolus carneus is a winter growing
species.

Like Diana I'd be surprised in Brodiaea could be flowered in a year, but
then if Gladiolus can be who knows. The Gladiolus I have started this year
from seed are such tiny things that I can't imagine potting them up yet.
But I've noticed that some species bloom much more quickly from seed than
others. And we are having a rather dark winter this year. What is it now,
19 or 20 days in a row that it has rained? Since I have adopted John G.'s
advice on growing Lilium my plants are growing lots faster however and I've
been really pleased with his suggestion.
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/old.php/…

I've had quick blooms from some species of Cyclamen, but not all. I got a
Tigridia to bloom from seed in a year's time, but never was able to
replicate it and in fact rarely can get it to bloom again for me so think
it was just a freak lucky accident.

Mary Sue