Seed raising media

We use a seed raising mix that is based on composted pine bark, it must drain very freely, and we suggest that the addition of 10% by volume of perlite will assist with an inadequately drained mix.

Elizabeth Town Hellebores does not use any peat products at all nor does it advise our customers to do so. We believe that peat mining is an environmental disaster and that both pine bark based growing media and coir (coco peat) for stratification are vastly superior products that give results that are outstandingly better than any peat based product.

Sowing instructions

We recommend that you sow your seed as soon as it is practical to do so, in the following manner;

1)      Sow between 25-30 seeds in a 6” (150mm) diameter pot, use the best quality seedling media that you can find.

2)      Cover the seeds with 1/4” of seedling media DO NOT FIRM THIS DOWN!

3)      Cover with ¼” of coarse gritty sand.

4)      Drench lightly with either of the recommended fungicides if you wish.

5)      Stand your pot where it will experience low temperatures without freezing.

6)      Do not place a saucer or anything that will impede free drainage under the pot.

Refrigeration

Some of our northern Hemisphere customers report that they refrigerate their seed when they receive them for periods from 4 to 6 weeks. A majority say that they experienced a more even and better germination resulting from this treatment.

Disease control

To prevent infection of the dormant seeds by fungal pathogens we routinely use either RIDOMIL ( active constituent metalaxyl - M)or ALLIETTE (active constituent Aluminium tris O - Ethyl phosphate) fungicides as a drench at seed sowing time. If you should decide to use a fungicide please take special care to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use.

Pot size

It is advisable for seed sowing to be carried out immediately on receipt of our seeds, we recommend the use of 6” or 8” diameter pots rather than flats, experience has demonstrated that the extra root depth gives a far superior root system while only marginally increasing costs per pot.