A Question for Hybridizers

Dear All:

I have a question about daffodil seed germination.  Does daffodil seed planted in the summer show a leaf during the summer?

Last summer I planted some open pollinated daffodil seed directly in the ground, and didn’t check for a shoot over the summer.  This spring I did find some single leaves of small, somewhat grass-like foliage.  So, I am wondering if I were to plant some daffodil seed in pots this summer, would I expect to see any leaves this summer to indicate success?

Thank you.

Dave Liedlich
Connecticut

2 comments for “A Question for Hybridizers


  1. In a message dated 6/8/2008 3:43:38 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  title= writes:
    HI Dave,
    Does daffodil seed planted in the summer show a leaf during the summer? The answer to your first question is no.

    Last summer I planted some open pollinated daffodil seed directly in the ground, and didn’t check for a shoot over the summer.  This spring I did find some single leaves of small, somewhat grass-like foliage.  So, I am wondering if I were to plant some daffodil seed in pots this summer, would I expect to see any leaves this summer to indicate success? The answer to your second question is no.

    There is an exception for fall blooming species. If they are planted right after harvesting usually November or December and kept moist the will germinate in about 30 days and can be kept growing if kept moist and cool until June. After that date they need a dry period and then water again around mid September. This is for the first season only.

    Dave you probably grow spring flower Narcissus. You should plant your seed as soon as possible after collecting. Because of your climate you may not see any growth until next spring. In Southern California we have a longer growing season and we usually shave off two years from most others from seed to bloom.
    Marilynn 

  2. Dave,
    Simple answer – no.  What you did last year would be what will happen this summer.  They germinate in the early fall, just when the other bulbs are sending down roots and initiating leaves.  Next spring you will see the grass like foliage that you observed this year.  Doesn’t matter if you plant in the open ground or in pots.
    Donna

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