skip to main content

Question about my clivia seeds sprouting!

11 years ago

Hi! That was a great explanation by Ohiofem on how to start Clivia from seeds! I do just have 1 question that I didn't quite understand.
This morning I opened the bag and I had 6 out of 8 seeds sprouting!!!!
Ok on the thread by Ohiofem, he stated the new growth starting to emerge from the seed was a "root" I believe. Then he said when you start to see a bit of green, this will become your first leaf. This is when you need to pot it in soil. And to place it root down.
Well, I have a small thing coming out of my seed, with a bit of green on the end starting to appear. Well if this is a leaf, should I not place it in potting soil facing up and not down?
I know this is very confusing, I hope someone can understand what I'm asking and be able to help.

Thanks - Teisa

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

monet_g
11 years ago
Hi Teisa,
Give them some more time and the distinction between root and leaf should become evident. If not, lay them on their sides. They will find the way. If it's the first bit of growth, it will a root which can take on a bit of a green hue. Can you take a photo? If I could see it, I could tell you what you're working with.
Gail
teisa
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for replying and reassuring me that I need to just give it a little more time. Yes it was just the first shoot that I saw the green on. So this must be just the root. I will try to get a picture later (when the baby naps), but from what you said I'm pretty sure it is the root. I still have a couple that were just starting to split but no growth emerged yet.

Thanks a bunch !

-Teisa
Related Discussions
Newb question: My seeds have sprouted, now what?
Q
Comments (1)
I'm not sure what you mean about the baggie method but once the seeds have spouted to where there is an actually little stalk (not with the seed just cracking with a nub sticking out)you can transplant the seedlings into a tray or pot. Make sure the roots are facing downward and that the area where the seed is is just slightly buried under the soil. Be careful to be very gentle if handling and potting small seedlings as they are very delicate. once they are in a tray in pot you can water lightly to make sure the soil is moist but not soaked.
...See More
Question about seeds that don't sprout
Q
Comments (12)
I had an experience rather like ellenr reported above. I needed a flat to start some seed and found one in the shed which had been used last year. I thought all the seed in last years flat were dead, sprouts had been fried by some interruption in our lives. I re-used the flat and soil to plant seed this year in the flat and many seed from last year came up almost immediately.
...See More
Questions about Clivia
Q
Comments (2)
Here is some info that might help///Just a couple of threads previously discussed.. Mike http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/clivia/msg0112432716127.html Here is a link that might be useful: Clivia seed
...See More
Question About Sprouting Daylily Seeds
Q
Comments (5)
Based upon your question/comments, you do have interest in these seeds .... Why not experiment with them rather than just tossing them ... put them into the freezer for a day or two then thaw them out and perhaps repeat - extreme representation of 'winter' and of attempting to activate the chemistry within the seeds that controls germination protocols. Some seeds(NOT daylilies) need extreme heat and some actual freezing to facilitate germination. Germination ease or difficulty is a genetic phenomenon it seems. There is little to lose with the experiment IF you wish to save the potential within those seeds.
...See More
Ohiofem 6a/5b Southwest Ohio
11 years ago
Hi, Teisa: I'm glad to hear your seeds are sprouting. If you look at the picture I posted you will notice that the radicle growing out of the seed has a white part and a green part. I am sorry I wasn't more clear. The part you want pointing down into the mix is the white part that will develop into the root. The seed itself and the green part should stay on or above the soil surface. Any tissue that is green is photosynthesizing or turning light into food. You want to keep that part in the light. I agree with Gail. It's fine to just lay the seed on its side on the soil. Once the root and the leaf become more obvious you can poke a hole in the potting mix and gently put the root in it. Clivias are monocots, like corn or grass. They only produce one true leaf at first, unlike most plants we grow, whichever are dicots that produce two seed leaves at first.

Robin
teisa
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok I finally was able to get a picture. Im pretty sure this is the root and I just need to give it more time for the first leaf to develop. Ohiofem and Gail, thank you for your help. I did take a quick picture so you all can see what I was referring to and have going on. Does this look right for this stage of development?
monet_g
11 years ago
Nice, Teisa! Yes, that's the root. You are well on your way.;-) It might be the photo, but the "skin" on the seed looks a little wrinkled. If so, pull back on the moisture.
Gail
Ohiofem 6a/5b Southwest Ohio
11 years ago
Looking good, Teisa! The leaf will develop from the little bit of green tissue, so keep that part exposed to the light. It won't hurt the seed or the white root to get light either. Your next hurdle is to keep the seedling growing without letting any fungus develop. it should lie on top of moist, but not soggy, potting mix. The seed will feed the seedling so no fertilizer is needed. It can stay attached for as long as three months. The fact that your seeds sprouted relatively quickly suggests that you've got vigorous stock. Good luck.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Central Plains Gardener's November Checklist

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Mulching, seeding, feeding — several small tasks to ensure a winter of activity, and a good spring start.

MOST POPULAR Summer Crops: How to Grow Sunflowers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Savor snack-tastic sunflower seeds once the radiant blooms have faded — if the birds have saved you any, that is

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

FALL GARDENING Be Your Own Wildflower Nursery

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Gather seeds from your garden in fall, and you'll have a selection of plants for next year — without spending a dime

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: How to Make and Plant a Veggie Box

By Annie Thornton

See how to start edibles from seed, then transfer the seedlings to a box on stilts to make harvesting more fun

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Pave the Way to Landscape Style With Flagstone

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Define a patio, build a path, make a fire pit ... learn about flagstone's many uses, plus costs and considerations, here

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

GARDENING GUIDES We Bust 4 More Native Plant Myths

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Have you been taken in by these fallacies about gardening with native plants?

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

Sponsored

More Discussions

Kitchen layout... Can you help me?

81