Topic: Hellebore seedlings advise please

[Digeroo]

I have some seedlings appearing can anyone please tell me at which point is it the best time to pot on or move them

[shirlton]

We have moved ours and they were in their second year but they might be ok sooner. Perhaps someone else will know more about them

[Digeroo]

Actually you have reassured me that they can wait.  There are lots so I was rather worried they were too crowded, but it is very dry here so not good time to move things.    I thought they were just seeds and nearly hoed them off until I took a closer look.  They have two leaves at the moment. 

[Palustris]

Either move them as soon as they germinate or wait until they have a good established root system. They are funny things and resent disturbance at the wrong stage of growth. They actually (according to the books) make most root growth in Autumn.

[Digeroo]

I presume mine germinated in the autumn since they now have one or two true little leaves above the cotyledons.   I did not notice them.  I have moved a couple already since they were under the leaves of the mother plant.   It sounds as if it would be a good plan to move them at the start of the autumn so they have a good time to grow some more roots, and also leave room for the next batch.  Only a small percentage have the red stems of the mother plant, so I am hoping I can spot the deep coloured ones.

It is a very nice plant the flowers are very  much upwards rather than the normal dropping so I have high hopes for it children.     I was given it as a seedling.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I leave mine till the end of the year, then pot them on, unless they're obviously crowded, then plant them out ofter two years. I'm just taking stock of what I lost in the cold spell; a lot of Paeonies, some Hellebores, some Trilliums (I think; they may yet be late), and a kitchen sink full of Lilium regale.