Gardening with Gary




Gardening Advice from an Expert

Geum

Member Debbi writes~
I am growing Geum for the first time this year. Will they self-seed for next year, or should I collect and save seeds? I am in zone 6 - Nashville, TN. How do I collect them?

A. Here is what my alma mater's website says about the seeds. It sure is a long time from seed to flower, so you may wish to heed the description of 'division' as a better propagation method. But, Geum is hardy in your zone, so you will see it reappear each spring from the roots. Mulch it well for the duration of the winter.

Geum quellyon--Chilean Avens

Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7
Height: 24 in Spread: 18 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Red, yellow

Comments: Chilean Avens needs exposure to full sun and a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A soggy soil during winter kills the plants. About 3 years of growth are necessary to get blooming size plants from seed. The plants need dividing every 2 to 3 years and should be considered as short-lived.

Propagation: Propagation is by seed or division. Divide every 2 to 3 years to get rid of the old woody growth and to improve longevity and flowering. Division may be done in spring or fall. The seed germinates in 3 to 4 weeks at 65 to 75 degrees. Seedlings may need as long as three years to produce flowers in quantity,

Cultivars:
'Lady Stratheden' - Golden-yellow, double flowers.
'Mrs. Bradshaw' - Large, double (Vis. 1), orange-red flowers.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Bailey
Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999.

http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue

One should not count on them self-seeding for next year. It is always a possibility that you will get some plants next spring. It would be better to save seeds from pods which form this fall in envelopes in a cool, dry, dark spot until sowing next spring after the danger of frost is over [check your local Ag department for your frost date]. Simply remove the entire seed pod before it splits and sheds it seeds. Lay on newspaper and allow to dry. Remove the outer skin and discard.