Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - March 12, 2010
From: Clearwater, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: What kind of alcohol to use with Passiflora seeds?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi, I read a question and answer related to gernmination of passiflora incarnata. You recommended a 5% alcohol/water solution to soak the seeds prior to sowing. I just want to make sure that you are talking about drinking alcohol as opposed to rubbing alcohol. What type of drinking alcohol do you recommend? Rum? Beer? Wine? I have some new seeds, and I am ready to get started. Thanks!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants likes the way you think!
However, in the case of seed preparation, we are indeed talking about rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. A weak, 5% solution of alcohol is used to dissolve certain seedcoat constituents that delay seed germination. You could experiment with differnent concentrations, different lengths of time soaking in solution and different kinds of alcohol to determine which treatment works best for you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's happy hour...
More Propagation Questions
Propagation of hostas
September 06, 2005 - I have many different types of hostas in my yard. This year they bloomed abundantly and now have large pods where the blooms were which are full of seeds. My questions: 1. If I plant these pods, o...
view the full question and answer
Planting and growing bluebonnets
October 06, 2007 - I am looking for bluebonnet seed planting suggestions.
when? How? I found a source for seed. I want to plant about 2500 sq foot area.
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Red Yucca from Golden, CO
March 17, 2011 - I have collected the mature seeds of Hesperaloe parviflora (the red yucca). Can you tell me what steps I need to follow for successful germination? Many thanks!
view the full question and answer
Saving seeds of western red cedar from Monroe WA
June 06, 2011 - I would like to know how to save and store seeds of western redcedar if not planning on planting them their current year.
view the full question and answer
Proliferation of Small Palafoxia in Dallas Co. TX
June 07, 2013 - A few years ago I noticed a new wildflower I hadn't seen before in the southwest Dallas County area. I found the name to be Small Palafoxia. It was growing along the edges of HWy 67 in Duncanville ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |