When I first signed up with Suite 101 in November last year , I wrote my introduction - and then became violently ill and ended up in hospital.
So sick indeed, that I was put into the intensive care emergency ward, and hooked up to a lifeline, as my body was dying and they knew not why. In fact on the Tuesday 17 th.November, my whole family was summoned to the ward and I was given one hour to live.
That is history now, as I did survive, albeit with a new slant on life and I have written much since then.
Why do I tell you all this, you say?
Because my good friend and compatriate, Gary Buckley, actually came to the fore and helped me with my page. He had my original article on flotation retreived from the article I had written for the International Bulb Society Web page and put it here for you to read.
At this anniversary, I want to thank you Gazza, for your help at the time. You were a friend indeed.
This a picture of Cyrtanthus grown from seed using the floation method.
I had intended to re-write the article but of course I didn't get the opportunity, so here it is now with some added images which I hope will help you understand the principles and the context of this procedure a little better and maybe encourage you to try this method yourself.
The Seed Flotation Method
Winged seed which does not hold viability for a long period of time, often is best germinated by the use of Flotation method. By this, I mean growing in water rather than soil. This method has a lot of advantages, such as control of temperature, light and visibility of growth.This method can be used at any time of the year and can be used on new or aged seed, although viability will be a problem with older seed. Amaryllids, or winged seeds such as Agapanthus, Hippeastrum and Cyrtanthus,can be germinated by flotation. If the seed is old or you are not certain how old the seed is, this method can be a way of determining viability of the seed. Often, old seed will grow fungus and rot. Don't persevere with seed in this condition as it will not be successful.
This Agapanthus above was also produced by seed flotation.
It is also a method to use for better control of seedlings as they grow. I have found that it is not harmful to let the seeds develop a bit and produce a small green leaf before you plant them out. They are easier to handle in this form. They grow well in the water and you can inspect them on a daily basis to check growth.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Bill Richardson's Bulbs & Plants topic, please visit the Discussions page.