Magentaspreen- is it self fertile ?

[hamamelis]

I've had 0 germination from my magentaspreen seeds this year, despite trying masses of them, every way I could think of (in the ground, in the greenhouse, in the oropogator, on the windowsill... nary a sprout to be seen)

I'd given up any hope of growing any this year, when utterly unexpectedly, in a very unlikely location (at a steam rally of all places!) I found a single plant for sale for the princely sum of 75p. I got it back the few hundred miles to the Lottie (not normal commuting distance, I was visiting the parents) and it's now growing away splendidly, but will I be able to save seed for next year from it, or do I need to try and track down another plant?

Any response much appreciated!

[hamamelis]

Just a quick bump in case anyone's interested- while I've not tested germination yet, it has certainly set seed all by its lonesome.

[Bigmallly]

I've had 0 germination from my magentaspreen seeds this year, despite trying masses of them, every way I could think of (in the ground, in the greenhouse, in the oropogator, on the windowsill... nary a sprout to be seen)

What the bladdy 'ells an oropogator?.......If it fits on a waterbutt, give Samuel a shout........

[veggiechicken]

I thought it was one of those plants that selfseeds all over the place.
Its also known as Tree Spinach - Scarlet grows it

[Scarlet]

Actually, I had the same problem when I first wanted it. I went to a talk by Charles Dowding and he had it growing in a pot. I love the taste fresh in a salad and the colour is amazing. I think it needs to be very fresh seed, a bit like parsnips but when you've let it self seed as VC has said, you will never be without it. Use it as a green manure and the chickens love it, birds love the seeds in the winter. I grow it every year.

#if anyone wants to try some, I've saved loads and will be sending to the VSP very soon.

[hamamelis]

I've left half the seeds on the plant to self seed, and now I have nice fresh seed, so I should hopefully be OK now- I just wasn't sure if I'd need 2 plants to get it started, or if one would pollinate itself.

Oh, and Bigmallly? Maybe that was half the problem- I was trying to grow it in something that doesn't exist! That would explain a lot.

[Scarlet]

Oh sorry I didn't answer the original question! They are self fertile, you will be fine growing just the one plant.