Finally, I got me some Astibile seed from a swap. I haven't grown them from seed before, have very few seeds, and no directiosn came with them.

Has anybody started them before that could help me get started?

Hi Starlight,

I have only bought them as a root, so hopefully we have someone that has started them from seed and could advise.

No rush, I have alot fo other seed to sow. I am patient. : )

I would be tempted to winter sow them in your area. My seed book says for Astilbe:
Germination: 42 to 56 days @ 18ºC (65ºF)
Do NOT like dry or alkaline soil, baking sun or high winds

Check put the Help Web Link to the right: Tom Clothier
It suggests very low temps if it doesn't germinate in within 4 weeks, so I think wintersowing would be the way to go

Oh oh! I might be introuble with the part you wrote of alkaline soil and baking sun. Have lots of both of those normally.

I appreciate you finding some information for me. I hadn't started them yet, til I some some sort of direction.

Now if they will just grow up , one I do get them sowed, I will be so happy! : )

I have 2 astilbes, store-bought. They do OK in my alkaline soil. However, they don't like intense summer heat or drought. I'd recommend planting in shade and amending the area well with compost to conserve moisture.

I've never tried growing them from seeds but I do know some who have wintersown them successfully. An online friend from another forum who lives in Nova Scotia has wintersown some beautiful astilbes.

Karen

Karen... Thanks for sharing the information. I've seen pics of some new ones out that look like they have frosted plumes. I was drooling.

I have so many critters and wild birds here, that if I put something out to try and winter sow, they come and eat my seeds. The one year, I tried a couple of containers outside for winter sowing and one was over turned. I picked it up thinking it was a squirrel that had knocked it over and had me a birdie instead. : )

With Astilbe is is a shade loving and moisture loving plant. I would recommend starting in a good seed start mix and keep damp but not wet and place in a cool area, not above 65-70 F that is not is the sun. I would also check the link Joanna suggested and see whay it says. Good luck.

I have grown astilbe from seed using the wintersowing technique. They were placed in a quart milk bottle and set at the side of the house where they got an average of 5 or 6 hours of morning sun... As i recall the seeds were purchased from tm. Hope this helps.

I might give the winter sowing a try too, thanks John. Just have to find a place that the critters won't get into it and that might stay colder with no snow. Have the cold, just no snow right now and hope no more.

Ella, when you tried wintersowing, did you use a milk jug? They work best for me and are more critter-proof than a lot of other containers.

Karen

I used a small milk jug, since I not a big milk drinker. Maybe I need something bigger?

No, half gallons should work. I use some of them. Maybe use more duct tape so critters would have a tougher time entering the jug.

Karen

I'm so interested in seeing someone start Astilbe from seed. I've tried twice (well, the first time didn't count since I didn't know what I was doing). Even after I "thought" I knew what I was doing, I couldn't get the seed to sprout.

My gardenweb friend (Tiffy) has been wintersowing them quite successfully for a long time.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/f...
I've never tried them myself.

Karen

Joanne, you and I are thinking along the same wave length..I was thinking about those beauties that Tiffy grows too.

I wintersowed seeds from the swap in soda bottles. (I don't drink milk, either). A few germinated.