Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) Sprouts

I am super excited about these seedlings.  The plant they'll grow into is absolutely gorgeous and covered with flowers.  I ordered these Echium candicans a few months ago.  They arrived quickly but I decided to wait until close to spring to start them.  The seeds were left in the fridge for weeks in a plastic bag with no special care taken.

About a week after planting the first sprout poked through the soil.  You can probably tell it was the one in the middle which is much larger than the rest.  Since then another seedling has sprouted every few days.  I love that the photo shows the seedlings at all different ages including the purple markings on the seed leaves.  I originally had 10 seeds and so far 8 have sprouted (I accidently killed one while trying to move it because one cell had two seeds).  I really can't complain with 80% germination.

I'm thinking the largest seedling can probably go another week or so before it needs to be transplanted.  Echium like well drained soil so I've been very careful not to overwater.  I usually wait for the soil to look dry on the surface and water each cell individually.  I may be able to force the first flowers this year but generally this species of Echium doesn't flower until it's second year.

Germinating Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)

Source: http://img4.sunset.com/i/2006/09/beachss-ss1-l.jpg?400:400

    This plant is absolutely gorgeous!  Need I say more?  The picture above summarizes it nicely.  Most people are more familiar with Echium wilpretti which has red flowers.  These are striking, but grow larger and don't tend to branch into the attractive plant that the blue species does.

    As the name suggests, this plant is native to the island of Madeira.  This is owned by Portugal and located off the coast of Morocco.  It's tolerant of coastal exposure and salt spray but requires well drained soil.  These Echium typically reach a height of 2m and bloom in the spring.  They can take freezing temperatures and are considered hardy to USDA zone 9a.

    Seeds germinate readily and most should have sprouted within 2 weeks.  They should be sown in a well drained potting mix, about 1/2cm deep and at room temperature.  Plants establish themselves the first year and then reward you with flowers thereafter.  If stressed they may only last two years but are generally considered a perennial.

    Now for another Fig, the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus marcophylla).