Lagochilus inebrians grow log

[mint-tea]

This is my first post at saliviasource. I have been growing various mint family species (including SD) for many years. Recently, I was able to get a very large packet of seeds of Lagochilus inebrians. I planted 25 seeds on April 14 in a light soil mix (peat, sifted compost, some fine sandy clay loam) in seedling pots and placed in flats. Water was applied from the bottom and the flats were coverd with clear plastic lids. The flats were kept warm (about 70-75 degrees F) with fluorescent overhead lighting (16 hours a day).

Seed germination was sporadic over a period of 30 days. The seedling leaves are thick and succulent, dark green and about 1 cm long. True leaves began to grow after about 10 days. These are also dark green but with a rough surface and some hairs.

At this point I am hardening off the seedlings for outdoor planting.

I'll post photos of seeds, seedlings and growing plants later.

[mint-tea]

As of today the L. inebrians are now at the second internode stage. Each plant has a second pair of leaves. Also, they have adjusted to the sunlight and outdoor temperatures with no harm. They were given a very dilute solution of fish emulsion fertilizer by foliar feeding.

My intention is to grow these plants to maturity in order to start a second generation from seed. I attempted this in 2006 but a cold and wet winter killed my plants. I had buried them in the ground under about 12 inches of soil. This is actually a good idea for roses but apparently not for Lagochilus. If they survive the summer here I will be taking them indoors to a cool greenhouse.

[nitelife]

Good luck- welcome to the forum!