Recently I started some heuchera seeds while we were suffering through the record setting deep cold of the last several weeks. I had to do something garden related to lighten my spirits that were quickly being squashed by the weather’s entrapments and starting some seeds seemed to be a good choice. It’s easy to start a small container to bring into the house and is very uplifting when you can start to see the results of the plantings emerge.
Mixed Heuchera Seeds
These seedlings area mix of various types of heucheras from our corner shade garden. There’s no telling what the resulting seedlings will become but I’m not very picky when it comes to free plants! It took these seedlings almost 2 weeks to sprout but they would have emerged faster if they had had some bottom heat. I put the seedlings in a homemade seed propagation chamber – which just is a fancy way of saying a container of soil!
Seed Sowing Container
The propagation chamber was made from a foam carryout container. I cut a hole in the top to open it up and put the whole container in a loose plastic bag to help maintain humidity.
There’s almost never a need to go out and buy containers for seed starting unless you just want to buy something. You can always find some sort of container (i.e. yogurt cups, carryout containers, margarine tubs, milk jugs) that holds soil and can be made into the perfect planting pot!
The heucheras were the first of my seed starting activities for 2010. I followed up a few days ago with some hosta seeds I’ve been saving. I suspect they are too old and will have very poor germination rates but we’ll see. Pretty soon I’ll have several new plants to add to the garden.
Have you started any seeds yet for this spring?
For a Couple Videos on Heucheras Check out My YouTube Channel
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There's something just so happy-making about seedlings emerging from soil, isn't there? I'm about to start a few things but only boring standards because I need some seedlings for a photo shoot for an article. It's way too early to start anything edible and I rarely do so anyway, but I'm going to need some Black Krim tomatoes so the best option is to seed rather than risk a nursery not growing them.
Dave, I've never considered collecting heuchera seed. Would they ever self-sow in the garden, or do you have to give them indoor TLC?
Dear Dave (I still can't help that line 😉
I have never collected seeds before but I will try this coming season .. any advice ?
Joy
I haven't started any!!! There is always next year. Hoping to sow some seeds outside tomorrow.
Hooray, they are looking good. More plants for the garden. Love it.
Hi Dave
Well done for putting the carry out box to good use!
Have you ever tried using guttering. Very easy to slide out seedlings at the end so little root disturbance.
I hope your heuchera grow into fine specimens.
Rob
I'm desperate to garden as well and started some spinach seeds inside. If they get to big before going outside, we can always put them in a salad. 🙂