re: Devil's Claw --planting/germination

From: Ivan Snyder (bioexp@juno.com)
Date: Wed Oct 04 2000 - 09:13:20 PDT


Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 09:13:20 -0700
From: Ivan Snyder <bioexp@juno.com>
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg2930$foo@default>
Subject: re: Devil's Claw --planting/germination


>I just received a packet of Devil's Claw (Ibicella lutea) seeds from the
>ICPS seed bank. I read in The Savage Garden several ways to get the
>seeds to germinate. Does anyone have any experiences to share, as far
>as successful methods? Also, how long did germination take? The Savage
>Garden says up to a year. Also, what time of year is best to sow the
seeds? I can't find any info
>on this in the book.
>Thanks, Joe

Hi Joe and all,
I have successfully grown Ibicella lutea from seed. Here is how I did it.
First I put regular potting soil in a cup and put the seeds on top and
wetted them. You may use tap water. Next I dabbed on a tiny speck of
Gibberelic Acid GA3 with a pin, this is needed to break dormancy. I then
sealed the cup an put it in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, then took it
out and put it in a warm place. After about another week the seeds
germinated and I transplanted them to pots. Use a 1/2 to 1 gallon pot as
the plants grow large. Mine flowered and fruited nicely in a windowsill.
You must plant these in the Summer since they will only grow when very
warm. The seed lasts many years, so wait for warmer times. Some other
Devil's Claws are not so difficult to sprout. I have planted Proboscidea
parviflora var. hohokamiana (a domesticated white seeded form used in
basket weaving) directly in the ground in my vegetable garden and treated
them the same as squash plants. The seed sprouted in 1 -2 weeks. They
grew very well an produced a bountiful crop of claws this year. The plant
is covered with sticky glands which defends them against whitefly and
aphids. The glands did not stop caterpillars though, but thats OK, I
busted their jaws and gave em to my flytraps:-)
Ivan Snyder
Hermosa Beach
California



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