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The thread "Let's see what else we're growing, 2016" in Orchids forum

I am starting up the new thread for 2017 with a box full of pretty seeds, collected from my two larger Adenium obesum plants, which were standing next to each other outside this Summer while in bloom!

I lost count, but I think 6 or 7 seed horns have so far busted open, with a couple more to go. I know these will germinate like gangbuster in the Spring. I don't think it is a good idea to expose them to the Winter cold here by sending them out now, right?

Ken is thinking - oh no, not again?

The weather is just too iffy in the southern states to know what to do. Even here it's up and down like a yoyo. I'm not sure the cold would have an adverse effect on the seeds, though as long as they're dry.

Beautiful seed display, Ursula. I love it.

Jim

Those seeds look like spun gold.

Pretty little propellers, aren't they?

I am still waiting on my first seed-pod, Ursula. You are certainly loaded with seeds this year.

I am down to 4 of the babies grown from Ursula's seeds. I gave so many plants away at Master Gardener activities over the past months, people were clamoring for them. I am going to keep these little ones and see what they look like when they bloom. It is my understanding that fresh seeds germinate the fastest and the ones I got from Ursula certainly sprouted promptly.

I am still not sure if one can expose seeds of a tropical plant to cold/freezing temperatures and expect them to germinate. I would think they will be damaged?
Now previously, seeds which were ripe at this time of year did germinate easily in April. Unless you experts tell me I am wrong, I would hold on to the seeds until warmer weather and then happily send them out who ever wants to play with them. So far I have two people who asked for them.

I'm too old to consider seeds or even slow growing plants any more.

Jim

So, Jim, you consider orchids fast-growing plants, huh?

Hey Jim, you are still a youngster. Besides, nothing is cuter than watching these little guys pop up and plump out. It is like you planted a bunch of teddy bear seeds.

You are right there, Alice. They are cute little things when they are youngsters.

Some orchids are faster than others but in general, they are faster than my jaboticaba tree or my Nannorhops ritchiana palm. I'm glad both of those are established.

Jim

The weather forecast for this coming weekend is scary so I have been moving tender plants in pots closer to the house so I can quickly move them inside if it actually gets that cold. I have also been taking cuttings of things I can't move like Cordylines that are planted. Let's hope the weather wackos are wrong - again.

This Costus, I don't remember which one it is, always flowers late in the year. It is a large clump and almost every stalk has buds forming. It will surely freeze if that Arctic express gets here.



These broms will get a blanket - or maybe two this time.


This rose, the very twiggy heirloom Slater's Crimson China, has been in full bloom forever it seems. Trees grew up around it so it is growing in full shade now.


C. Sasanquas are almost finished and the C. japonicas are starting. The open flowers will fry but the tight buds should have no damage from the cold.


I've shown this pot before but I love the color combination of the 'Keeley's Gold Ti and the Don Miller begonia.


One sad little geranium that got bathed in salt water during the hurricane is blooming.

Alice, we are supposed to get down to 20F two mornings, and in the mid to upper 20's two other mornings. Hopefully, you won't get that cold.

I heard them comparing European and American weather models, hopefully it won't be that bad.

We were supposed to get an Arctic blast this week with lows in the negative numbers and highs in the low 20's. I was counting my buckets and measuring my burlap and scoping out what to cover in a hurry.

But what arrived was a Pineapple Express with temps in the 40's and rain. The weatherman is being very quiet about why the sudden change. Maybe you will be in for a pleasantly warm surprise also.

I guess I should mulch some more oak leaves and spread them over the rest of my garlic. I have lots of leaves again but they are still too wet to mulch with my lawn mower. Perhaps tomorrow.