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Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: bennettsleg on April 12, 2007, 19:46:35

Title: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: bennettsleg on April 12, 2007, 19:46:35
Sowed some seeds sucessfully last year and they died right back to earth at the end of the season.  From an experiment with a free packet of seeds, I was quite charmed by them and really want some more to grow.

There's no sign of any new growth this year and I didn't see any noticable (to my novice eye) seed heads forming.  Does anyone know if they self seed or if I need to bite the bullet each year and grow them from scratch?
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: manicscousers on April 12, 2007, 20:25:23
I couldn't say for sure but I think they grow as annuals, I love them, haven't had any for years, Used to buy them..think I'll have a look at the weekend  :)
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: Tee Gee on April 12, 2007, 20:29:52
If you are talking of the 'Livingston Daisy' this is a succulent and is treated as a half hardy annual in the UK

I just love them but if you can't find a sunny place for them don't bother as the flowers won't open

(http://tinyurl.com/2zkylm)
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: kitten on April 12, 2007, 20:42:19
Yes, they are what we call the Livingstone Daisy, one of my mum's faves, so i've bought a packet of seeds for our cutting flowers bed  ;)

There just aren't enough hours in the day to sow everything i want to tho....

;D
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: ACE on April 12, 2007, 20:46:58
Bit small for cutting aint they. I don't think they will work in a vase as the sunshine triggers the opening.
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: moudie on April 12, 2007, 20:56:40
The seeds are so tiny -I've  used the same packet for about 5 years and raised hundreds.They must be easy ,I can kill anything. ;)
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: saddad on April 13, 2007, 21:45:27
Some body brought an unpricked out tray to the sale last year... they didn't sell so I pricked out loads and put them along the bottom of my Sunflowers... must get some for this year!
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e190/Plot52/Sunfl2.jpg)

can just see them... they never really grew as it was too dry to get their roots out but they flowered right up to the frosts!
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: Mrs Ava on April 13, 2007, 23:38:38
They remind me of my childhood.  Mum and dad kept koi in a huge pond in the garden and around it was a small wall with a planting gap which mum always filled with mesembryanthemums.  Such vivid colours - the orange being my fave, and I used to love beating them to opening first thing in the morning, nipping out before brekky to check they were all still tightly closed.
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: Carol on April 13, 2007, 23:48:25
I think they are lovely flowers and showy.  I have them most years in front of the conservatory and they flower their hearts out following the sun.  They are annuals and die back at the first frost.  They take a wee while to germinate as well.    :D :D
Title: Re: Mesembryanthemum
Post by: kitten on April 14, 2007, 19:41:47
Quote from: ACE on April 12, 2007, 20:46:58
Bit small for cutting aint they. I don't think they will work in a vase as the sunshine triggers the opening.

I ain't gonna cut 'em, just want them in the 'flower' bed cos they look so pretty  ;D