Amsonia Tabernaemontana

[Georgie]

I received some Amsonia seeds free with a seed order.  My face fell when I read the sowing instructions as I've had no success with stratification in the past.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained so I followed all the instructions and to my delight one of the seedlings has germinated.   ;D  I will grow it as a specimen plant in the sunny border but can anyone tell me how long it will take to reach it's maximum height of 60cm and how long it will be before it flowers, please?

G x

[Georgie]

[Deeds]

Hi Georgie,

These are pretty plants, It should flower next year, and may get to the maximum height next year or the year after. Persoanally I don't think they are that showy as a specimin, pretty enough but not a WOW plant.

[Georgie]

Thanks Deeds, that's very helpful.

G x

[lorna]

GEORGIE. I was going to do this by PM but what the heck ;D Meaning of stratification please.. Not in my dictionary, then again it is at least 50 years old!! Must buy a new oneLOL.

[Georgie]

Hi Lorna.  Stratification means exposing seeds to cold and moisture to break their dormancy.  So essentially you pot them up in damp compost and place them in the fridge for a few weeks.  I did a search here and there are eight posts mentioning stratification (some more technical than others) if you want to know more.   :)

G x

[lorna]

Georgie. Many thanks. I will probably wait another couple of years before I try it. I haven't got the germination of seeds in the usual way up to 100% yet. ( well you know that don't you ;D ;D ::))

[Georgie]

Lorna, what I like about you (amongst many things) is that you are prepared to ask questions.  A year ago I knew next to nothing about gardening and I made so many mistakes.  Thanks to this site and lots of background reading I'm beginning to feel that  I know a little bit more.  You are doing great, gal, keep up the good work.  :D

G x