admin istrator posted on March 30, 2010 19:20
Brugmansia Seed-Starting Information
by John Curran
Soak and peel the corky outer-covering of the Brugmansia seed; this will improve germination, as well as prevent the covering from remaining attached to the seed head when it sprouts. The seed itself will resemble a small bean.
Soak the seeds from a few hours up to 24-48 hours in warm room temperature water, changed daily.
Press the seeds just into the surface of moist seed-starting mix, as light is required for good germination. The mix must be well-drained, and sterile, kept moist, but not wet. Cover the seed flat with glass, a plastic cover, or plastic wrap to maintain desirable humidity; remove cover gradually when seeds sprout.
Germination will be increased with the use of a heat mat; air temperatures of 68-75 degrees F will be appropriate.
Seeds should sprout anywhere from a week to ten days, but even a month or two is not unusual. Germination will sometimes be erratic.
Flowering may begin at any time from 6 or 9 months up to 18 or 24 months, when the plant is about 3-5 feet tall.
Seedlings may be transplanted to small individual pots when they have one or two sets of true leaves. Continue to pot up to larger size containers as the seedlings become rapidly root-bound; at least 1-3 gallon pots will be needed the first year.
When the seedlings have 4 sets of true leaves, they may be fertilized with a dilute solution of Miracle-Grow or other 10-10-10 fertilizer, 1 teaspoon dissolved in 1 gallon water. The same proportion of Epsom salts may also be beneficial.
Remember to label your seed flats and containers with the name of the cross (pod parent x pollen parent).
Good luck!