How do you sow your clematis?

[4390evans]

So I ordered some clematis and its came today with this list of instructions that is just all gobbled gook! I thought you just put them in a pot and that was that?

How do you plant yours?

[rustylady]

What sort of gobbledegook Evans? English or foreign language? Clematis seed or clematis plant, and where did you get them from?

[4390evans]

I got them off ebay in seed form. Its in english but it goes on about putting them in the fridge then adjusting the level of the temp when they become seedlings, then adjust again put a bag over them and so on. I seen on tv that people just put one or 2 in a pot and leave them to it?x

[rustylady]

Some information here for you Jen

Germinating Clematis from Seeds

Clematis seeds may take up to three years to germinate, but you should get some germination in about six months to a year. Collect ripe seed in the fall and plant in sterile seed starting mix, covering seeds with a thin layer of sand. Place the container into a zip lock polyethylene bag and place it outside in a shady spot (or a refrigerator) for several months during the winter so that they go through several freeze/thaw cycles.

Then place the covered container in a warm location out of direct sunlight and wait for your first seedling. As the seeds germinate, the small plants should be pricked out of the germinating container and planted into a small pot using a sterile soiless mix. Be very careful as the root will be a single long root in the beginning. As it grows larger it will need a larger pot, fertilizer and constant moisture. When the plant has three sets of leaves, pinch out the growing tip to promote branching.

Seeds collected from hybrid clematis will usually not breed true to the parent so you might create a new and exciting cultivar that may be named after yourself or a loved one. The chances of getting a new winner are about one in 200, but acceptable smaller flowers of little commercial value will result. They make great gifts to fellow gardeners if you get too many.

Your seedling will take at least a year to offer its first bloom and another three years to become a mature plant. I usually wait until it blooms before planting it out in the garden. A greenhouse helps. It is a labor of love! Good luck!

In my opinion if you want clematis plants you would be better buying them as young plants. Garden centres and Poundshops usually have them for a couple of pounds.

[4390evans]

mmm :/ Im quite impatient, think it will have to be a set that will go on top of the kitchen roof and await their arrival as if i just leave them in the garden they will end up in the compost if I dont think they are growing quick enough lol x