Dr Bob has asked if I could share advice on external stimulus for seed germination and planting of Haemanthus coccineus as it would be a great help to his seed recipients. As previously advised, the seed germinates *without* external stimulus so it could simply be left on the kitchen bench and in a number of weeks a small radicle (the first root) would begin to protrude from the seed. If left on the bench, this radicle would continue to elongate, using up the stored energy of the seed. It will even develop its first small leaf but at some point this stored energy will be depleted and unless the root is carefully embedded into growing media where new sources of energy can be accessed, it will simply wither away. Rather than leave the seeds on the bench, it is probably better to plant them on the surface of the growing media immediately upon receipt! The same germination process will occur but in this instance, the radicle will "magically" grow downwards toward the growing media , even if it initially protrudes from the top of the seed. It is best to plant the seed by pushing it into the surface of the growing media, leaving it just exposed rather than covered. Young seedlings should be allowed to develop in the seed raising community pot for at least 2-3 years before being separated out during their summer dormancy and potted individually. Under ideal growing conditions they can be ready to flower in 5-6 years from seed sowing. H coccineus is a winter grower and will not tolerate temperatures much lower than 5C although once mature, very short periods below this may be tolerated. Bruce Schroder Melbourne, Australia _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… Unsubscribe: <mailto:pbs-unsubscribe@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net>