The snakeshead fritillaries have now got ripe seedheads with lots of seed stacked inside - if anyone wants some free of charge let me know by e-mail snapdragonjane@yahoo.co.uk and then send a stamped addressed envelope to Jane Lindsey, Sunnyside, Gartacharn Road, Balfron Station, G63 0NH. Mark it with what you want as I'm a bit dippy.Snakeshead fritillaries like damp soil in either sun or shade - they will grow in grass but I would clear them patches of soil to get them started. Christopher Lloyd suggested growing them amongst Gunnera and other plants that are late into growth. I used to have some amongst the rhubarb for the same reason.
10 comments:
Do fritillary grow well from seeds? I have always planted bulbs. Same with alliums too, and they seem to produce masses of seeds. Do you have a slug and snail problem? Just wondered how you dealt with them.
Fritillaries grow very well from seed - the first year they look a little like chive seedlings, then the second or third year they flower. It is a good way to create a natural effect without much outlay.
We do have slugs, there are fewer since we got ducks but they are still a problem.
I tend to collect at night with a torch but that isn't feasible at this time of year as it doesn't really get dark.
I find that if you put out a pile of bran or a cheap weetabix type thing then wait 3 days if you go out at night it will be covered in hundreds of slugs which are then easy to dispose of. This also works to keep them away from seedlings as they prefer the bran to the seedlings.
I used to bore for Britain about slugs - I try not to now.
I have a slug problem - in my kitchen! This HUGE one gets in and I evict him then a few days later he's back, rather like my mouse!!
Fritillaries look so delicate and nobile therefore I don't feel it would be right for me to contemplate growing them for my garden.
Thanks for the weetabix tip. Will give it a go. Yes I am to be seen every night after dark gathering slugs and snails.Tried beer but my dog drank it and no doubt she will want the weetabix too!
I was inspired by the idea of your naturalised fritillaries and so have saved the seed from my own flowers. I was suprised how many there were and am hoping for good things in the future - if I don't forget where I have sown them.
I heard fritillaries take years to germinate from seeds. Is that tur or is it a damn dirty lie?
*true
Damn my fat fingers...
Fritillary grow easily from seed - but you have to be patient. They look like a blade of grass/chive when they first grow and can take a few months to sprout. Mine are in their second year and I now have little bulblets about 3-4 mm. Hopefully they will progress to flower next year.
Hi ya! Just found your site and am amzed at the Weetabix idea. However, for the first time, I have collceted our beautiful fritillery seeds. when and how shall I germinate them! Hope you know!?
Thanks Jane
hi, have just been out and bought 300 fritillary bulbs they will go with the 200 I put in last week.As you can guess they were not cheap, so if I can have some seed (if you still have any) would be very useful. Trying to get them to grow en-masse in our back garden.
Regards Ray
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