Native plant ...Propagation by Seed CLASS - Matilija Nursery - California Native Plant and Iris Nursery

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May 2, 2019

Native plant …Propagation by Seed CLASS

Native Plant Propagation by Seed Class!!!

Here’s a short outline so you know what we’ll be doing:

I. Overview as to what we do and when. Going to to where there seed flats are planted and looking at what has germinated and how we’re set up. Plus quesitons this should take 15 min?

II. How to collect seeds, at least some seeds I’ll be showing you and you’ll be doing it. Then back to the seed production area. Talk about seed treatments. Questions. Should take about 15 min.?

III. Now you’ll be doing it! We’ll have some seeds for you to grow out at home. These should be pretty easy ones and so far they include: Lavatera glabra(Island bush mallow), Sphaeralcea ambiuga(desert mallow), Asclepias fascicularis (narrow leaf milkweed), Berlanderia lyrata(chocolate daisies). I’ll probably add a few more. 30 min.

IV. Then what to do when you seeds have germinated? 10 min.

Plus any questions that you have.

On Saturday, June 15th we’ll be having a “hands on” seed propagation class. The class will start at 2:30 and run for about an hour and maybe a bit longer. I’ll be there as long as anyone has questions.

We’ll supply everything- you supply nothing but yourself. Will start with how and when to collect seeds. I’ll show you how to plant various native seeds and the when and what, to do after they germinate. We’ll cover sewing seeds to containers….and appropriate seed treatments. This will include hot water and fire treatment. Below is an example of fire treating seeds. We won’t be doing this if it’s windy.

Creating sterile conditions for your seed container using typical home chemicals. Watering your seeds after they’ve been planted and after they germinate. Transplanting to bigger containers then planting into your garden.

Like our last propagation class we’re sort of limited to 30 people. More people are welcome to come at watch but the “hands on” part is where we’re space limited.

What will you do? We’ll spend a few minutes looking at what we do. Talking about common seed pretreatment and seasonality. How long does germination take and why.

We’ll provide you seeds that are easy to germinate or you can collect some from around the nursery. We’ll supply the seed mix and containers.

Right now we’re cutting back our desert mallows and collecting the seeds.

Just cut these and stored them in the classic brown paper bag. You can see the seed capsules drying and separating. Let’s get another look.

Here’s a look into the brown paper bag…you can see the seeds separating from the seed capsule. Let’s get a close up…

A little closer look and the really small seeds ready for the seed flat- with some hot water treatment.

This class will be fast moving but plenty of time and daylight at the end for questions. You’re welcome to email questions, or message me on Facebook, or give me a call at the nursery! 805-523-8604