Easy perennials to grow from seed.

[SusieG]

Susie they all look good to me with one exception. Gardenia - SP started a thread recently as she was given one and it is treated as a house plant.

In regards to dahlia - Bishops Children. They grow easily from seed so if you are not fussed about colours and don't want to faff about lifting just save the seeds (it is what I have done for 5 years). If there is a particular one you like you can prop. by root cutting (a tuber bit with a ?heel - but upwards - I will try and explain better if you are interested)

NG - yes please..!
Regards to the gardenia then - would you not bother - or should I give it a go? I don't want anything 'faffy'!

[Guest]

Dahlias are definitely, definitely, definitely worth growing but IMO they are not worth being precious over just save seed and sow (however the result could be anything, but still a dahlia). The only pictures I have are wildlife ones.



These are seed save from three tubers I was given that came from wilko. 1 orange and 2 yellow. I can't find anything good enough to explain how I propagate (root division) but I have a slugged tuber so at some point when I get child free time I will try and show you.

Edit: Please ignore the attached thumbnail that is an aguilegia a clematis type. Again this appeared from seed saved from MiLs plants but she doesn't have any clematis types. Randomness is great

[cheops]

Lovely pictures Norfolk but they also clearly illustrate how single dahlias are good for our wildlife. Double dahlias etc; may look beautiful but they are bred by man and not by nature driven by a single desire of man to create something flamboyant and beautiful but without a care or thought for our wildlife.
I agree randomness is great, beautiful, exciting and wonderfully surprising.

[SusieG]

I wasn't aware about 'double Dahlias' Cheops ..... something new learned again today..!!
Does that mean that the bees can't use the 'double' variety?
I'm going to enjoy the randomness of my first venture in growing flowers!!

[Guest]

Here is a shakey hand production for you Susie (I hope this works )

https://youtu.be/clUlK-8_9l0

[cheops]

I'm afraid Susie that double varieties are of little use to the bee. Most double flowers are of little use, as they're too elaborate. Some are bred without male and female parts, while others have so many petals that bees can't get to the nectar and pollen. So single dahlias are popular with many bees, while doubles are usually ignored.
Also Susie bees can see purple better than any other colour so if your a friend of the bees grown lots of lavender, alliums, buddlegia and catmint. Then bees will not sting you rather they would hug you if they could.

[SusieG]

Thanks Norfolkgrey and Cheops ..... I'll certainly bear in mind what you've told me about 'double' and colours .... A lot of the seeds I ordered were purpl in colour .....

Ooh yes.... my seed order arrived today. Quick question: some of them say sow until June - yes I know it's now July, but is it worth starting them now, or leave until September .....?

Thanks!

[cheops]

If you are gonna protect them in a cold frame for example in the winter they will be ok. Also 'sow until June' - you are only days late.
Good luck with your showings - I'm shortly gonna sow quite a few soon too. ��

[cheops]

Oh, congrats - 'member of the month - well done SusieG

[SusieG]

Cheops, I don't have a cold frame - can I use my unheated GH .....?

And thanks re MOM , but it won't be me for long now, it will be going to someone worthy any day soon now..!!! (I was MOM for June......)

[SusieG]

If you are gonna protect them in a cold frame for example in the winter they will be ok. Also 'sow until June' - you are only days late.
Good luck with your showings - I'm shortly gonna sow quite a few soon too. ��

Checked under the propagator lids today in GH (sowings from Tuesday ...) and there's one little seed germinated (hollyhock) so far.......
I'm really pleased..... didn't really expect to see anything yet .......