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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - March 12, 2010
From: Clearwater, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: What kind of alcohol to use with Passiflora seeds?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi, I read a question and answer related to gernmination of passiflora incarnata. You recommended a 5% alcohol/water solution to soak the seeds prior to sowing. I just want to make sure that you are talking about drinking alcohol as opposed to rubbing alcohol. What type of drinking alcohol do you recommend? Rum? Beer? Wine? I have some new seeds, and I am ready to get started. Thanks!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants likes the way you think!
However, in the case of seed preparation, we are indeed talking about rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. A weak, 5% solution of alcohol is used to dissolve certain seedcoat constituents that delay seed germination. You could experiment with differnent concentrations, different lengths of time soaking in solution and different kinds of alcohol to determine which treatment works best for you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's happy hour...
More Propagation Questions
How can I propagate Giant Ball Moss?
March 11, 2009 - Recommended methods for propagation of Giant Ball Moss? (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsia baileyi rose ex small)
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Pollinating Pawpaws
February 06, 2013 - We have many good sized pawpaw trees in our area but they never bear any fruit. I've checked them at different times in the fall over the years but no fruit. Someone told me that the flowers were po...
view the full question and answer
Need some information about wild native grapes in Gatlinburg, TN.
August 13, 2010 - We have some wild grapevines growing on a southern exposure eroded bank. They are providing assistance in reducing erosion with rapid growth. Do these plants develop ground contact as they grow? In...
view the full question and answer
Edibility of non-native garlic sprouts from Brancburg, NJ
March 12, 2013 - I have regular garlic in my refrigerator. It had sprouts growing out of it so I put it in a cup of water. Now that the stems are large enough to put in food, my question is.. Is that part of the garl...
view the full question and answer
Propagating American Beautyberry in Medina OH
October 05, 2009 - I brought home a small branch of American beautyberries when I was vacationing in N. Carolina. How do I go about planting them and will they survive in the Cleveland area?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |