G
Hi fellow modellers.
In 2016 I grew some seafoam or Teloxys aristata.
This plant supposedly is native to the Gobi desert and northern climates of Europe. It is sold dried as a model tree for diorama's, model railroads, museum scenes, etc. When grown the seed/flower stalks make a very realistic representation of actual deciduous trees
This year I found some seeds that I had saved, and decided to sow them and see what would happen. Using a seed compost with some added grit as I knew good drainage is a must, as too much water is a killer of these plants when young. Very quickly they germinated having been only covered in a very thin layer of sifted compost.
When the seed first appeared I used a pipet to water them, only putting a drop around each seedling. As they grew I then watered the base of the pot only. As soon as the compost appeared damp around the base of the seeds I emptied the saucer. This is a must , never water from the top at this stage, so they are kept away from the other plants in the greenhouse. Turning very day is like other seedlings encouraged as they lean towards the light.
They can be grown outside, but with the changes in the amount of heat and water they suffer I keep mine in the green house. You don't need to grow many plants, the first year I grew I had about 8 in 6 inch pots after I had thinned out the seedlings, but always allow for loss.
Paul asked where the seed could be purchased from, well I had my first packet from
https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk
I've just checked and they charge £1.95 plus postage, for about 750 seeds ! Ive seen them on Evil Bay about the same price , but prefer a genuine seed specialist for quality seeds.
Here a some shots of the seeds as they are, you might be able to sow some this month /early June and have success if grown under glass.
I shall blog the plants as they grow.
View attachment 303213
You will notice the damp area around the young seedlings and that the saucer under the pot is dry. When the compost changes to a lighter colour I shall add water to the saucer then drain. As they hopefully grow and mature I will show how I treat with glycerine to preserve.
Happy gardening. Hope this is of some interest to my fellow green fingered friends .
John.
In 2016 I grew some seafoam or Teloxys aristata.
This plant supposedly is native to the Gobi desert and northern climates of Europe. It is sold dried as a model tree for diorama's, model railroads, museum scenes, etc. When grown the seed/flower stalks make a very realistic representation of actual deciduous trees
This year I found some seeds that I had saved, and decided to sow them and see what would happen. Using a seed compost with some added grit as I knew good drainage is a must, as too much water is a killer of these plants when young. Very quickly they germinated having been only covered in a very thin layer of sifted compost.
When the seed first appeared I used a pipet to water them, only putting a drop around each seedling. As they grew I then watered the base of the pot only. As soon as the compost appeared damp around the base of the seeds I emptied the saucer. This is a must , never water from the top at this stage, so they are kept away from the other plants in the greenhouse. Turning very day is like other seedlings encouraged as they lean towards the light.
They can be grown outside, but with the changes in the amount of heat and water they suffer I keep mine in the green house. You don't need to grow many plants, the first year I grew I had about 8 in 6 inch pots after I had thinned out the seedlings, but always allow for loss.
Paul asked where the seed could be purchased from, well I had my first packet from
https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk
I've just checked and they charge £1.95 plus postage, for about 750 seeds ! Ive seen them on Evil Bay about the same price , but prefer a genuine seed specialist for quality seeds.
Here a some shots of the seeds as they are, you might be able to sow some this month /early June and have success if grown under glass.
I shall blog the plants as they grow.
View attachment 303213
You will notice the damp area around the young seedlings and that the saucer under the pot is dry. When the compost changes to a lighter colour I shall add water to the saucer then drain. As they hopefully grow and mature I will show how I treat with glycerine to preserve.
Happy gardening. Hope this is of some interest to my fellow green fingered friends .
John.
