Growing iris from seeds can be a complex and long process. Plant the seeds in Oct in a peaty seed compost. Cover seed with a 1/4 inch of compost, water and place container outside by a north wall or cold frame for the winter (stratification). They need cold temperatures or refrigertation for 12-14 weeks. Keep compost moist but not wet and protect against mice. In the spring bring your pot indoors/greenhouse. Warm temperatures should trigger germination. If that doesn’t happen keep pot cool & moist through the summer. Seeds will germinate around 60-70 degrees F. and may take 30-545 days. Once germination takes place transplant each seedling into a separate container. For more info go to Backyardgardener.com, Thompson and Morgan.com also have a seed guide that might be of help to you.

pic: Starting Seeds

Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained potting soil. Water and keep moist. The seeds should take about 2 weeks to germinate. Keep in mind that wisteria grown from seed will not be true to the parent plant and may not bloom well after a waiting 7-14 years for to start blooming.

Mandevilla seeds
come from the center of the calyx. The seed pods are around 4-6 inches long and hang in pairs in the shape of an inverted V. When the pods dry, they will turn brown and split open exposing fluffy seeds that have fluffy aerials (like dandelions) to help disperse them. With the tail on, soak the seeds for 12 hrs. then plant and cover with soil. Keep at a temperature of 65-75. Should germinate within 30 days. more mandevilla info

When the flower is finished blooming the center will be fuzzy and the seed will be in there. Use fresh seeds, provide light and temperatures of 70-75. Germination takes 15-30 days. Plant 12 weeks before setting outside. more info on Gerbera daisy

2007-5-5 jill
I live in Pa and I am getting married this Fall 07 I wanted to grow my own Gerbera dasies for my wedding. I bought some seeds off the internet. I have read that they are very hard to grow and require specialization and a steril environment. Also, I have found varying directions on how to care for them(ie keep soil moist between waterings vs let the soil dry between waterings. Please help me!

Gerbera do need special care when growing from seed. It can take up to 6 months from seed to bloom. You might have better luck growing potted plants. Gerberas should be kept moist (not wet) while they are blooming but allow them to dry out a bit before watering when they are not in bloom. If you want to try growing from seed or check out this site http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1144

Warm weather plants such as lantana require warmer temperatures (72-76 degrees) to germinate. Cooler temperatures can delay seed germination. Germination for lantana is 42-60 days and seeds should be planted 1/8″ deep in peaty soil. Another trick is to soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hrs. before planting. more Lantana info

According to the hibiscus expert neither- if the seed is properly pollinated it should germinate. Because bees do a poor job at pollinating hibiscus some try cross pollination by hand.

Just like you would grow garden seeds. Start indoors before the last frost or direct sow outside after the last frost(spring).

The eggplant family (Solanum) has many species. It is possible that your plant is a one of the new varieties called “Easter Egg” eggplant which produces white to yellow fruit that is ornamental and edible .

Pumpkins seeds take 7-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 70-95 degrees. They like it warm but will germinate at temperatures as low as 60 degrees but it will take longer to germinate. More pumpkin info