Telegraph

Seed-sowing (Filed: 01/12/2001)

After the clearing and tidying of the past weeks it is easy to forget that this is the ideal time for propagation.

SOW alpines using a seed compost with added horticultural sand. Cover with a fine layer of compost and top dress with a quarter-inch of grit. If seeds are fine, sow on top of the grit and gently water in. Put in an open frame.

While many seeds germinate easily, others require special treatment for maximum success. Some can take months, or even years, to germinate, while some alpines, after cold stratification, can take as little as six weeks. This can be done by soaking the seeds for up to 24 hours, sealing in a polythene bag and storing them in the fridge at between 33.8F and 37.4F for four to 12 weeks.

Tree seeds

Large seeds, such as oak, should be sown now, immediately after harvesting. Place seeds in deep pots, covered to their own depth with compost and place in an open frame.

Smaller seeds can be sown in pots and pricked out the following spring.

Dividing plants

While staff are cutting back plants in our mixed borders, some herbaceous perennials, such as day-lilies, are divided to rejuvenate them.

As long as the ground is not frozen, most plants should be divided from now until early spring.

We retain only healthy sections, ensuring each new clump has new shoots and a good root system.

With thanks to the team at RHS Wisley (www.rhs.org.uk/wisley).

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001