baby clematis

[sue salley]

I started some clematis seeds this year and they are very small still. I was wondering should I leave them outside in big pots or bring them in since thay are so small. They are Koean Beauty. I have been wanting a yellow one so I would hate to lose them.

[Rebecca]

Sue,

First of all congrats on getting the Clematis seeds to grow! As for bringing them in, I wouldn't. Put them with all of your other potted perennials and mulch them with leaves, pine straw, whatever, after the ground freezes and they should be just fine. I have clematis popping up in the yard and beds that I didn't plant and these come though the winter just fine. I know that isn't the same as one going in a pot, but it does show how tough these plants are.

I will be sowing some of my collected seeds in pots and just leaving them outside to do their thing. I totally expect to see some seedlings sprout come spring. These are all open pollinated seeds and since the Clematis is highly bred I don't expect any of them to look like the parent plants, but there should be some wonderful colors come from the seeds, and maybe a few that are similar to the parent in color. Hope you do get some yellows from yours, that would really be great!

Well, back to the grind stone with me!


Rebecca

[shakkai]

Rebecca is right. They should be fine outside during the winter - even in pots. With that variety, you may even get some flowering next year! Other types take 2 or 3 years (or even more in some cases).

Congratulations!

[sue salley]

Thanks all. I think I might bring a couple in and leave the rest outside.
I planted several varieties this spring but these are the only ones I got to germinate. I bought them off ebay. I did have 1 come up in a flat of other plants that I don't know what it is. I love surprises.
My neighbor has a pretty lavender one. I think I will see if it has seeds when I go visit her later this week.
Thank you all for your advice.

[Rebecca]

Sue,

Not all Clematis seeds will germinate the same season, some can take as long as two years! They really need a winter outside to be able to germinate well. So don't be surprised if you have more seedlings show up come spring!


Rebecca

[sue salley]

I wish I had known this before I dumped the flats I started them in. Maybe I'll have some come up in other pots. Live and learn. I did stratify all the seeds.

[Rebecca]

Sue,

I can see it now. A Clematis seedling hanging onto a daylily seeds for support! Or how about clinging to a lily! :D ;) :p :D


Rebecca

[sue salley]

I hope so. I'll have to watch closely for little babies coming up. I collected some very dry seds from my neighbors Big Smile. Will they germinate okay if I store in the frig now and pre-soak in the spring before planting? I hope so as it is one of my favorites.