16/04/2018 - Soaking and planting

I've been very busy sowing for the last two weeks. 42 out of 70 planned varieties have already come up and only a handful still need to be started.

I have finally decided to change my germination method to soaking in a 2-3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Using the old paper towel method I was again experiencing the usual "damping off" problems with certain varieties. I changed my method a week ago and my success rate with hard to germinate seeds has already improved significantly.

The kikyo varieties have already been transplanted from the germination trays into P9 pots until they start producing significant vines. I've got 4 new kikyo varieties this year: Kikyo Blue Speckled v2: A blue speckled variety with solid green leaves (v1 has variegated leaves). Kikyo Red: a red variety with white picotee edge. Kikyo Quasar: a variety with unusually long petal tips, small blooms, and a light blue prismatic coloration. And Kikyo Snowflakes: Sometimes solid blue, sometimes a striking blizzard pattern and with a dark pink heart.

We've had great weather this week with temperatures rising up to 25°C and lots of sunlight. The young plants have been enjoying every minute of it. Unfortunately a rain- and cold-front is expected by Sunday evening which could last for a least couple of weeks.

Kikyo Blue showing yellow leaf trait (Ki-Ba) and dimpled leaves.

Kikyo Quasar

Kikyo Red Speckled showing mutated cotyledons. Interested in seeing how this one develops.

Sun smile blue with variegated cotyledons. This dwarf variety has beautiful variegated leaves.