martagon lilies from seed???

Has anyone grown martagons from seeds?
How long until they sprouted? and how long until flowering?

I have grown many martagon lilies from seed. The seed has what is call Delayed Hypogeal germination and they flower in 5-6 years.

Hypogeal because the seed germinates and first produces a tiny bulb, from which above ground leaves will grow. Consequently, the first leaf will be a true leaf, not a cotyledon.

Delayed because the tiny bulb requires cold stratification before it sends up a leaf.

In nature, the seed will germinate the first season and produce a tiny bulb, but it won't be until the second season (after going through a winter) that any above ground growth will be observed.

I have spring planted Lilium martagon seed in pots and allowed nature to take its course. Leaves (one per seed the first year) do indeed appear the second season.
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Most people use a different method, and germinate the seed inside in the fall, let the tiny bulb grow for 3 months, then give it a cold treatment for 3 months, and plant it. A leaf will emerge, and your on your way....
This way, you have gained a year of growth, rather than waiting a full year for a leaf to emerge via the natural method.

There used to be a site that I direct people like you for more specific info, but it has been taken down. I do have the info in word format that I can send to you if you would like to give me an email address that I can attach it to. You can contact me through D-mail or on the NARGS forum (I am RickR).

Many other lily species have this same delayed hypogeal germination mode. I have grown many of these successfully, too.

Rick

I would also be interested in this information. Could you please dmail it to me as well?

Thanks so much.

Sure, Carolyn22. Dmail me an email address that I can attach a word document to. Anyone else wanting it can also do the same.

Thanks.

The package of seeds says to seed and keep at 70 ºF for about 4 to 5 weeks,
and if no germination then place at cool temperatures for 4 or 5 weeks.

I have seeded them into a WS milk jug so that I can leave them outside later.

"Germination" can be ambiguous, depending on who you talk to. Technically (and the way I use it) it is when the seed begins to grow, and not necessarily when it emerges above ground. Others count germination as when they see the seed emerge above ground.

Your seed .package uses the correct definition that I use. I concur with its advice for martagon seed. Although, how would you know if the seed is germinated unless you dig them up? (I don't recommend it - the digging up, I mean.)

Thanks---I will just let them be and let nature take its course.

I posted detailed delayed hypogeal germinating instructions here:
http://cubits.org/liliesforum/thread/view/50151/

I think you'll find them more to the point.

Rick

P.S. Glad to see you at the NARGS forum!