Hello, I have some penstemon heterophyllus Blue Spring seed and wondered if anyone had experience germinating the seed and could share their methods for success.

Thanks!

verdantmuse

I'm growing them from seed for the first time myself. They require light to germinate as well as a cold period. Considering where you are, I'd sow them on top of some potting mix - don't cover, in a container with a clear lid and stick it outside in a bright but not direct sun place where it won't get covered with snow. I'm putting mine in the fridge for about 6 weeks.

I winter sowed mine last year. I can't wait to see those first blooms!

Dr. Deno's trials show this species to be variable. In testing he found about 66% of seeds germinate in dark in the second week and 66% germinate in light in one to three weeks, both at 70F. In another trial he found 95% germination at 40F in 8-10 weeks.

In my own experience, I've had a very small percentage germinate in 2 weeks at 70F, and a large percentage germinate at around 40F after winter sowing.

Thanks so much for the information on germination requirements for the penstemon heterophyllus. Since I had already sprinkled some seed on containers with potting mix and kept the pots at 68 degrees, I popped the conatiners into the fridge and will see what happens. For a control, I'll try some each way suggested: always learning!

verdant muse