Germinating Leontochir (=Bomaria) ovallei
Martin Grantham (Sat, 08 Jun 2013 23:58:26 PDT)

Diana and Lee,
When first producing Leontochir seed, I got very low germination rates. I asked around and got a tip that the seed (very sticky (oily?) at harvest) benefits from washing with a surfactant before sowing - apparently Alstroemeria growers use this treatment. I began washing the seed with soapy water before sowing and greatly increased the germination rate. 
Martin

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Message: 1
Date: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:49:29 -0700
From: Diana Chapman <rarebulbs@suddenlink.net>
Subject: Re: [pbs] re germination of seeds
To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
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Yes, of course.  I put them in damp vermiculite in a plastic bag in the
refrigerator for about six weeks, then put the bag in my office at room
temperature.  I saw sign of germination after a week or two, and I
planted them in a mix of pumice and some finely ground peat (not very
much peat) and put them in my cool greenhouse, which is on the north
side of my barn so it never gets much direct sun.  Tiny leaves started
emerging in another two weeks.  So far I have very few seedlings. Could
be just luck.  I think when you purchase seed you might be getting seed
that is old and non-viable, or seed that has been improperly stored, so
luck plays a big part in it.

Diana

germinating