Close up of 3rd year seedlings in raised bed outside March 2nd 2013
Raised beds for seedlings. 1st year of use. Contains 3rd year seedlings. Some starts up about 2″ March 2, 2013. Will repost a photo in a couple of weeks.
These are only 3 years seedlings but I’m overly optimistic hoping to get some flowers this year. Breeding is not a hobby for the impatient.
Bill,
How exciting!
Usually for me, seedlings need to have grown four or sometimes even five leaves to bloom. I’ll be very interested to see the new babies. Keep the photos coming!
Thanks,
Steve
Now you tell me….. Growing in the PNW with our rain and cool summers I (optimistacally) am hoping I could shave off a few years for my 1st bloom. Well I’m in for the long haul so I’ll just have to remain patient. What sort of person goes to this much trouble with the reward so far in the future???? It’s no wonder few take this up as a hobby.
Just this week my wife called me at work and said I had a blloming daffodil along our driveway. I guessed if must have been a stray seed finally maturing into a flower. I got a bit excited. i told her to go take a photo. She called back and said it was a very large snowdrop. Bummer.
Bill,
One suggestion that might well help speed things along. Get a complete soil test and follow the recommendations for both PH and nutrients including all trace elements. Both Walter Blom and I have used a soil test lab that is up in your neck of the woods. They are familiar with the bulb needs developed for the Skagit growers. I’ll bring all the relevant information to the Portland Show at Crystal Springs. Your County Agricultural agent can also help guide you to provide ideal nutrient levels and growing enviroment.
Steve
My mother flowered a N. alpestris from seed it took 12 years. Never throw out seeds you have planted, someimes they are not triggered to grow for 2-3 years. Does any one know if research has been done on planting the seeds near the mother plant? It would probably not be maternal instinct but soil condidions I am guessing.
Nancy Wilson
Nancy I learned that seeds can sit dormant for years. My 1st 2 years of pollinating I planted the seeds in pots and kept them outside all winter. They never came up. I assumed they froze and died. So I just chucked the soil back into my vegetable garden. As you can guess I’ve got 1, and 2, year seedlings coming up everywhere.