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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - June 21, 2007
From: El Reno, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagation by seed of Capsicum annuum
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have always been told that the only way that a seed from a chili pequin pepper can germinate is that it has to be eaten by a bird and passed through it's digestive system. I have heard that there is a liquid solution that you could soak the seeds in to remove the coating from the seed so that it could be planted. Do you have any idea what this solution could be?ANSWER:
Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (chile pequin or chile piquin) is easy to grow from seed when planted after the weather has warmed according to Jill Nokes in How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest. She suggests the following treatment to increase germination success:"High germination rates were achieved by aerating the seeds 2-3 days in a solution of water mixed with potassium nitrate (1 tablespoon per gallon) before sowing. Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days."
More Propagation Questions
Revegetation with Rosa Woodsii in Heber UT
July 26, 2013 - I am using Woods Roses for a revegetation project (to stop trail short cutting) in a public picnic area. Growing them from seed was too slow so I am experimenting with transplanting and it is working ...
view the full question and answer
Plants native to Galveston that would survive in Austin
December 01, 2008 - What plants are native to the Galveston, Texas region? Can any of those plants survive in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
White flowering mountain laurel from Driftwood TX
August 23, 2012 - I love white flowering mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora) and want to grow one from seeds. I've had a lot of success germinating and growing purple mountain laurel from seeds (or beans), so I DO ...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting a Dutchman's pipe in Beaverton MI
June 10, 2010 - When can I transplant a full grown dutchmans pipe plant? It is growing along side of the house and it needs a bigger place to grow. This is June and the plant is in full bloom full of pipes, but need...
view the full question and answer
Planting star hibiscus seeds from Austin
September 21, 2010 - TX star hibiscus seeds. How & when to plant in ground & in pots. Thank you, Carol
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |