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
Vehicle friendly oak trees for Austin
March 30, 2008 - Do Chinquapins, Shumards or Live Oaks produce lots of tree sap? I'm looking for a vehicle friendly Oak tree to be installed in parking areas in Austin, Texas.
view the full question and answer
Growing Florist Roses
January 23, 2016 - Often I find that florist roses sprout for me, but I fail to get them to grow into a bush. Do you have the answer?
view the full question and answer
Virginia wild strawberry plants for New Hampshire or Massachusetts
February 25, 2009 - Where can I find Virginia wild strawberry plants or seeds for my garden and will they grow up north in New Hampshire or Massachusetts?
view the full question and answer
Volunteer wax myrtles in Tuscaloosa, AL
August 26, 2009 - I have Wax Myrtles growing in my front yard. I have noticed that some shrubs have sprouted in my back yard that have leaves that are exactly like my wax myrtles. Can Wax Myrtles sprout from seed or h...
view the full question and answer
Proximity of male possumhaw to female
January 11, 2009 - Mr. Smarty Pants,
In regards to fertilization, how close by must a male possumhaw be located to a female possumhaw?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |