Growing Penstemons from seed ...

[Deleted]

Hi all,

Having grown a couple of Penstemons from cuttings, I think I've fallen in love with this plant and would love more. I see that T&M has a wide range of varieties to grow from seed, including a couple of scrumptious looking red and purple ones. Has anyone tried growing them from seed, and - if so - how successful were you? ... cheers ...

[Jonah]

Hi CC,
I tried Husker Red earlier this year.

seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/product/2548/1

I had quite a good germination rate from what I remember, and they were doing very well, but through not being able to nurture them I think I lost them. I have a feeling, in a last ditch attempt to salvage them that they ended up planted out somewhere.

I still have a few left, so I'll try again.

[Tig]

I sowed 12 seeds of Penstamon Victorian Mixed in 2005, they all grew, six flowered in the first year. I only have one still growing, and it has not flowered this year - I know not why
Tig

[Deleted]

Thanks Jonah & Tig ... I'll give it a go ;D ... cheers ...

[jean]

I think that taking cuttings are easier CC, so I will be interested to see how you get on with seeds

[Chuckles]

I've done cuttings with the leggy bits that I trim off now, they are not as sucessful as the cuttings I do from the main pruning in spring.

Have always wondered about saving my own seed, anyone had success with saved seed ?

[Deleted]

I sowed some seed around March time. They came up no problem and unlike other stuff didn't get wiped out by molluscs. They have flowered albeit not spectacularly in their first year and will probably continue to do so until December.

Well worth trying.

[Deleted]

Thanks CPC ... that's very encouraging. I've noticed that S&S don't go for them, which is a definite bonus ;D ... cheers ...