| I have collected 3 varieties of meadow rue (Thalictrum).1 type, T. rochebrunianum, refuses to germinate warm or cold. Any insight? |
| The American Horticultural Society's book "Plant Propagation" states that meadow rue seeds are best gathered just before they ripen and turn brown, and then sown fresh because older seeds can germinate erratically because of embryo dormancy. This built-in mechanism prevents germination until conditions are favorable. There are several methods to break dormancy and promote germination, called scarification. One method is to soak the seeds. Another is to pour boiling water over them and let sit for a day. If the seed has a hard coat, you can nick it with a file or sandpaper. They also recommend protecting meadow rue seeds in a cold frame. I hope this info helps. |
