Allotments 4 All

Are they easy to germinate? I'm thinking of getting some, but I've never even grown any before.

How do I take care of them when they've grown up a bit?

Never grown from seed, Aqui, but have a couple at the lottie which seem rough as old boots having been moved around (one is in a pot jsut now).  Should say tho that mine are the plain white single flowered type tho now of course you get double, fluffy and multi-coloured.

Love them in Jan/Feb when its frosty or snowy and then the flowers go pale green and sort of leathery and last for ages like that

I had a load of self sown seedlings fro my plants this year (from last years flowers). I potted a few up to plant elsewhere.

I think growing them yourself from seed can take a bit of patience, and i think they also need a period of cold  as well to germinate.

Perhaps a friend or neighbour has some plants that have produced seedlings, that you could have?

Have a look at this very good site:

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/hellebore_3.asp

Plenty of information.

Jerry

thanks all, especially Jerry - I don't think I'll bother as the seed cannot be ripe at this time of the year. Oh well - I'll have to get another aquilegia instead.

Must ask mum if she's got any hellebores.

been meaning to post this for ages, have just found the booklet i was looking for. in case you decide to have a go or get some seed,
this is what the rhs send out with their seed distribution scheme.
hellebores:
sow outside (ie.coldframe)
may require 2 chilling periods to break dormancy
refrigerate seeds for 6 weeks before sowing
sow at 16-18 oC (60-65 oF)
germination time: more than 90 days, possibly more than 1 year.
a challenge?