From NC State University: "Bloodroot propagation is typically done through seed or root division. Bloodroot is easily propagated by dividing the rhizomes in spring or in fall. Plants can be started indoors from seed or seed can be directly sown into the ground, but the rhizome divisions allow for a faster harvestable root." Bloodroot seeds mature in mid to late spring. Oblong seedpods contain the developing seeds, and when mature, the pods open and seeds pop out. Plant the fresh seeds one to two inches apart, approximately ¼ inch deep. Never allow fresh seed to dry out. Cover with a two-inch layer of leaf mulch and keep moist. Some germination should occur the following year, but many seeds may not emerge until the second spring. Once the plants have developed small rhizomes (usually after two years), they can be transplanted into regular planting beds. Plants should be ready to harvest six years after planting from seeds."

Beautiful sunflowers. All the pics are great! I too have volunteers this year. I'm sure I'm the only person who has a tough time thinning them out. Like I'm killing poor innocent sunflowers. The birds love them and I take bouquets of them to the nursing home not far from here. Beautiful dog too. I breed shelties but my next dog will be a plush shepherd. Keep the pics coming people. I love to be everywhere at once to enjoy the fruits of your labour! Virginia

> "I am using the paper towel method. It has been 5 days since I initiated the process. I noticed tiny spots of mold on the orange habaneros, and decided to cut those sections of the towel away. Is that a good decision? " Not really. Cutting it won't control the mold. For that you need hydrogen peroxide. But don't be too anxious - mold doesn't really hurt the seeds unless it can get inside. I soak the seeds overnight in a mild hydrogen peroxide solution. Then place in bags on towels moistened with water and sprinkled or spritzed with hydrogen peroxide. (Actually, I use a syringe.) When I'm germinating, I check the baggies twice a day so that the newly emerged rootlets don't have time to adhere to the towel. If they do adhere, don't try to separate but cut the towel out around the root. Plant rootlet down, a good 1/2" deep. The seed case is rubbed off as the seedling emerges. If you have too many cases of "helmet head", it's because you are planting too shallow. Lots to learn about germinating. Biggest factor IMO is maintaining a steady mid-80s temperature. Dennis

reading this and wondering WHY seeds don't come up in my alley which is infested with stray bermuda grass. great sun, and i see wildflowers amoungst grasses on the highways, and i can't get rid of this bermuda. i have tried, and it just grows back (and i am NOT going to manicure this alley!). any ideas?? i threw out a bunch of mexican petunia (the tall one) last year, and nothing!! nada!! it is coming up in other areas, i don't mow (often) or spray. would love it to be prettier! as would my neighbors! BUT, to the OP, melvalena, Mexican Petunia...i got the seeds from a Central Market parking lot plant in late, late summer, and threw them in various places and most are coming up. as i recall, you can't get rid of this plant, it reseeds so readily, so watch what you wish for!!