Germinating meconopsis betonicifolia seeds - will they won't they ?

[nickdub]

Off and on when I've come across seeds of this blue poppy I've bought a packet and tried germinating them, with a complete lack of success.

Last year I saw plants for sale on a website, and as the price was not too high, I bought one with a view to growing seed, which I would then know to be fresh. I got 3 seed heads from it and stuck them in the bottom drawer of the fridge last Summer in an envelope in a plastic bag.


Anyway today I took those seeds out and scatted them on the surface of some MP compost in a small tray, watered it and put it in a clear polythene bag. This lot is now sitting on top of a shed roof. weighted down with a couple of stones.

So what's the betting folks, am I going to enjoy any more success this time ?

[SarrissUK]

I am positive you'll get some germinating

[veggiechicken]

A couple of old threads for you
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ppy_77935.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ppy_95595.html

[nickdub]

Thanks for that VC - I'll report back later in the year - one way or the other :-)

[veggiechicken]

Thanks Nick.
I've tried to grow them too but it was a bit halfheartedly so its no wonder they didn't oblige.

[Dynamite]

I tried last year, diabolical germination rate. They all died.

Trying again this year. Sowing next week. I might need some experienced advice.

Should I keep them indoors to germinate?

Kind Regards.............Rob

[Babru]

No sure Dynamite, but had some self sow in my last garden here in Edinburgh, so cold and wet must have suited them!

[nickdub]

I tried last year, diabolical germination rate. They all died.

Trying again this year. Sowing next week. I might need some experienced advice.

Should I keep them indoors to germinate?

Kind Regards.............Rob

Hi Dynamite,
If you want some advice form someone with a record of failure, then I'd say that outside is what I'm going for, but I have read a number of people who say try them inside first then try cold treatment later if that doesn't work.

The one point everyone seems to agree on is to be careful of slugs - so I'm going to keep mine well up off the ground.

As you probably gathered I've decided that fresh seed may be the key to this hence opting to buy a plant and trying t o grow from my own saved seed.

Nick

[nickdub]

Checked my blue poppy seeds today and they've come up like mustard and cress - must be at least 100 little seedlings - now I've got the good problem of pricking them out to grow on :-)

I wonder how many seed sowing failures are down to the seed not being fresh enough ? Certainly its not a cheap exercise with some ornamental seeds being over £2.50 a packet.

[roitelet]

Well done, I’ve tried but never managed it.

[nickdub]

Well done, I’ve tried but never managed it.

Thanks - can't claim much credit, as I said I reckon its the fresh seed which makes all the difference.