Cyclamens and tough seed coats

Kathy Stokmanis vikingdoc@earthlink.net
Thu, 18 Mar 2004 12:58:23 PST
When I grew Helleborus hybrids from seed last year, many sprouted with the seed coat attached to or enclosing the first leaves (cotyledons?).  Those pots that were still enclosed in plastic, maintaining constant humidity, freely sloughed the seed coat and the leaves separated.  Some I had to help but the seed coat slipped off easily.  Those pots that had the plastic bag removed showed deformities and slowed growth from the inability of those initial leaves to break free from the tough seed coat.  When I tried to pull the seed coat off I simply pulled off the top of the plant, it was so hard and caked on.  I put the plastic bags back on all pots and it worked...within a day all seed coats had softened sufficiently to be removed.  Perhaps this applies to cyclamens as well.


Kathy Stokmanis
Mediterranean climate, zone 8/9.


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