Growing "Calea zacatechichi" from seed...

[space cadet swami]

OK...so I have been very successful in not growing calea from seed so far.

I've bought 2 lots of seed from 2 different suppliers & looks like I've been unsuccessful again.

I planted out the 1st lot of seed, laying down, with a light seed raising mix just covering it.

The 2nd lot, I stood up vertical. Both lots were attempted in the hothouse.

So should I ditch the hothouse for germination & maybe use the greenhouse..?

Anyway, anyone who has had success from seed, please place your input below...PLEASE!

[Stillman]

I here fresh seed is the key. Pat Uri says he has some fresh stuff I here, maybe give his a go.

[klip247]

I sowed a few hundred Calea seeds that were kept in a dark spot for about a year, 3 sprouted but only two grew successfully (one stayed tiny and the other two are slowly growing), they seem to have very poor germination rates, not sure if this helped but I sowed the seeds directly on top of the soil and placed in a humidity dome with heatpad underneath, fluro lights on top.

Unless the seeds need darkness to stimulate germination I wouldn't worry about covering them up with soil.

Edited November 27, 2012 by klip247

[space cadet swami]

^^^What my concern is, that they don't like the humidity for germination...

With my next batch of seed I might do a hothouse vs greenhouse sprouting & put the 2 to the test.

Maybe a sandier (coarse) top soil for germination..?

Thoughts please...

[klip247]

I simply used premium potting mix, not sure if this is true but my understanding is that Calea germinates difficult even with suitable soil and conditions.

[Safez]

I would be more than happy to trade/send you some seed when my Calea z. flowers?

[space cadet swami]

^^^Thx for the offer Safez...I've got some more seed I'm trialling atm.

will keep it in mind, if I have no luck.

This time I've put some in the hothouse & some in the greenhouse...will have to wait & see.