Published: January 30, 2008 12:20 pm            

Ace of Spades: Use your oven to check the germination of seeds

Originally published in the January 25, 2008, print edition.

Is this a good time to cut some shrubs around our house?

If these shrubs do not bloom in the early spring, now is the time to be doing this. You can also shape them at this time. However do not do any pruning on the lilac trees or bushes as you will be pruning off next spring’s blooms. Prune those after they are done flowering.

I want to keep some seeds from my flowers, can you suggest which to keep?

When deciding to harvest the seeds, take the seeds only from the healthiest plants. Using any others you may get poor germination, or no growth at all.

What is a good way to check the germination of seeds?

Put 10 seeds in a rolled up damp paper towel and put in the oven on a cookie sheet and turn the oven to 130 F. Leave on for two hours, then turn the heat off and check the condition of the seeds. If all of the seeds are swollen and small seedlings appear, 100 percent of these seeds should grow. If five seeds swell and show growth then you should have 50 percent germination of your seeds.

Will my Easter lily grow outside if I replant it in the spring?

Yes, though it may take until the second year to bloom well. Mulch in the fall before cold weather sets in. Don’t plant this plant near any of your other lilies. We have had an Easter lily, which we planted about 10 years ago, bloom every year since planting outside. Ours is planted on the east side of the house.

What can I do to keep the geraniums from dying during the winter time in the basement?

Take the plants to the basement when the blooming is finished. Take the plant out of the container, shake off the dirt and hang the plants on a nail. Do not cut the foliage off at this time. In mid-February cut the foliage off and replant in a clean container with fresh potting soil.

Another idea is to put the entire plant, (after the dirt is shaken off) in a paper sack. Leave the foliage on for the time being. Every two weeks sprinkle some water on the foliage. At the middle to end of February, cut the foliage to about one inch. For those who keep the geraniums blooming nearly year round, air-conditioner water or distilled water can be used along with Miracle Gro fertilizer mix. Thanks Marilyn and Duane for your suggestion on the air-condition water and Miracle Gro idea.

        

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