BCSS - Forum

Hi
I just got some Tephrocactus geometricus seed. Any tips for germination and aftercare of seedlings? I've only ever germinated Opuntia compressa from that plant group. There it's a case of a warm soak and patience.

David - Ian's your man here! I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere showing the devolopment of his seedlings. i'm pretty sure Roy has succeeded too. Of course there will be loads more too! Not me tho! Never managed to germinate this one but havent tried for a few years.

You might be able to search out the thread(bit beyond me!) or wait for their advice.

Might that be http://www.bcss.org.uk/forum/read.phpf= ... eply_15375
and the subsequent posts?

Edit: Grrrr - I've tried 3 different ways to make the link clickable but it's not having it, for some reason - you'll have to copy&paste.



Post Edited (12-21-06 20:25)

I've tried various different methods with Opuntia seeeds. Most of the species I've tried have been cold hardy ones, hence method 1 was to sow, refrigerate for various lengths of time, then put in the propagator (theory is to break down cold sensitive growth inhibitors). Method 2 was to soak for 24hr in warm water. Method 3 soak for several days in water, including changing the water daily (theory is to wash out natural growth inhibitors). I've seen the suggestion that those seeds that sink in the water are viable, those that float don't contain a viable embryo. Seed cases that don't contain viable seeds are said to be quite common in Opuntias, and this can be a reason for poor germination rates. I have compared different methods by splitting each set of seed between 2 different sowing methods. The results showed that anything I did didn't seem to make the slightest difference to germination. Nor did whether a seed floated or sank make any difference to germination. Not neccessarily the most helpful result.

One bit of advice is to keep the pots for a few years, regardless of germination the first year. Sometimes germination occurs the second year, whether or not any occurred first year. When I pot on any seedlings at a year old, I save the top layer of compost, stick it back in the pot, and leave under the greenhouse staging where I'll occasionally see it, and notice any new seedlings. I've certainly had 3 year old sowings still germinate. don't know for sure about anything longer than that.

Very few batches of Opuntia seed give high germination rates, at least not with any of my assorted methods; quite a few give no germination.

Mike T

Sheffield branch, collection includes assorted seed grown Opuntias, including a solitary Tephro alexanderi (= geometricus acc. NCL)

Testing, testing: http://www.bcss.org.uk/forum/read.php?f ... eply_15375

Not a huge amount there but at least some info on what worked for me. I have three live plants from my 11 seeds. Three out of five seedlings germinated in the paper towel, one died when it was transplanted. Two out of six sprouted in the pot, the first one died possibly because I tried to rebury it when it heaved itself out of the soil, the other sprouted months later.

I sowed some T. geometricus seeds this spring. I followed the advice in Michael Kie?ling's book and transplanted the seedlings as quickly as possible after germination and placed them in a drier environment. All three (I'm not good at germinating them - i sowed 30) have survived so far.

Thanks for the link and advice. I've got about 20 seeds so looks like it's enough to try a paper towel and an ordinary pot. I'll try a bit of abrasion and soaking first.

Any more experiences with sowing Tephrocactus geometricus?

I just received a batch of 10 seeds, and I am investigating how to get them started properly. I have read good advice on using wet paper towels, add seeds to them and both it in a zip lock bag and check after a week or longer to see if anything has popped up.

Does anyone know how long they can stay in the towel after popping up without being transplanted? I don't think I will have the opportunity to check the bag on a daily basis (more like once a week) by the time I get sowing.

Links don't work for me, no matter how I try them

No, they won't. We lost all the posts before (I think it was) August 2006.