Let the Seeding Begin!

I started seeds today knowing perfectly well that I am very early even for these varieties:

Delphiniums (Pacific Giant, Delphinium elatum): Seeds purchased from Livingston Seeds. Planted these seeds 14 weeks before last frost; 10-12 weeks were recommended.  Seeds were chilled in the refrigerator for a week prior to being sown.  Sowed two 4"x8" containers, approximately 50-55 seeds in each one, 1/4 inch deep (darkness required).  As part of an experiment to determine if continued chilling assists in germination, one container was placed in the refrigerator for two weeks while the other was not. Expected germination time: 25-30 days. Characteristics: perennial, full sun, 4-5' tall (back border), blooms in summer, pastel pink, lavender, white and blue spires, staking may be needed, thought to be difficult to sprout. See http://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Flower-Seed/Delphinium-Seed/Delphinium-Pacific-Giants-Mixed.html#.VNDdv9X3-iw.

Pansy (Swiss Giant Mix, Viola wittrocklana): Seeds purchased from Livingston Seeds. Planted pelletized seeds 14 weeks before last frost; 10-12 weeks were recommended.  Sowed one 4"x8" container, approximately 80 seeds, 1/4 inch deep (darkness required).  Expected germination time: 3-9 days since pelleted, most generally 14-28 days. Characteristics: annual, full sun, 6-8" tall (front border), blooms in spring, rainbow of colors, fragrant, large blooms, compact plants for use in containers. See http://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Flower-Seed/Summer-Flowering/Pansy-Swiss-Giants-Mixed_2.html#.VNDqH9X3-iw.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Seeds purchased from Livingston Seeds. Planted pelletized seeds 14 weeks before last frost; 8 weeks was recommended.  I will likely have to "pot up" before planting out in the garden in mid May. Sowed two 4-packs, approximately 8 seeds each cell, planted 1/4" deep (darkness required). Expected germination time: 5-7 days since pelletized; most generally 14-21 days. Characteristics: tender perennial, evergreen shrub, full sun, plant in containers or in herb garden, fussy to sprout. See http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-8172-rosemary.aspx.

Lavender (Vera, Lavandula vera ):  Livingston Seeds. Planted seeds 14 weeks before last frost; 6-8 weeks were recommended.  Sowed three 4"x8" containers, approximately 45 seeds each.  The seeds in one container were pressed into the seed mix (surface sown, light required).  The seeds of the second container were covered 1/4" with seed mix as suggested on the packet.  A third container was placed in the refrigerator for a few weeks; a few sources had recommended chilling. Expected germination time: 14-21 days or up to a month. Characteristics: perennial, full sun to partial shade, 18-24" (mid-border), bushy/hardy variety. See http://www.everwilde.com/store/Organic-Vera-Lavender-Herb-Seeds.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgMKmBRDMjo_F9OfUubABEiQAp8Ky140ONtaXwjOF7Z5Q4JO-xuLxfkt1K9H14SOMgRCkLpcaAluO8P8HAQ.

TIP OF THE DAY!!  Collect clean water as you sow seeds.  Simply place a basin under the faucet as you rinse your hands, tools, trays, etc. This water may be used to wet potting mix or water seedlings.

Postscript #1 -  Small white roots in both sweet potatoes have emerged.