I sowed Prospero autumnale last fall indoors, intending to follow the Ontario Rock Garden Society web site's advice and stratify them outdoors over the winter here in the Seattle area. But, it was a while before I got around to moving the flat outdoors, and by then they had begun to germinate (at room temperature without any cold treatment). I kept them in a cold frame through the winter, where they survived frost, but were protected. From: Jane McGary <janemcgary@earthlink.net> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Friday, March 27, 2015 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [pbs] Prospero seed One need not follow the precise instructions for germinating Prospero autumnale (formerly Scilla autumnalis, and how did Prospero get neutered anyway?). It is native to climates similar to where the inquiring member, Travis, lives, and it is a kind of pioneer plant that appears to self-sow freely in roadside gravel and thin grassland. The seed matures very quickly (my plants originate from seed I collected from a colony that had both flowers and ripe seed) and probably germinates quickly too during the rainy season. Had I received this seed I would have sown it now, keeping it in a cool position and moist for a couple of months. Otherwise, Travis could store it dry until September for sowing. An unheated greenhouse would be suitable for germinating and growing on the seed. The very good website David sourced is that of the Ontario Rock Garden Society (a NARGS chapter), so the information is aimed at gardeners in a northern, continental climate who would not be able to keep winter-growing seedlings without heat. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA On 3/27/2015 5:49 AM, David Pilling wrote: > Hi, > > On 27/03/2015 12:11, Travis O wrote: >> I just received seed of Prospero autumnale from SX2 (559 & 560), and >> I am not sure when to sow it? > > > http://onrockgarden.com/germination-guide/… > > says: > > Scilla autumnalis > > Germination Tips > Sow @ 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. > Special Care: seedlings must remain at 4°C for full 3 months, then > gradually raise temp to 20°C > > > > > > _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.ibiblio.org http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/