Seed Planting

I should finally be getting my phone back tomorrow. To repair it will cost an outrageous $1080, substantially more than the price of the phone. I'll probably just deal with the problems and phone for the next little while. Then I'll have to figure out if it's cheaper just to cancel my contract and get a free phone with someone else. Hmmm...

I have had literally nothing sprout from the first shipment (from a seller in Canada). A lot of the seeds I purchased take a while, but not even the figs have sprouted. I'm a little worried this batch of seeds experience a hard freeze somewhere in shipment. I'll have to wait a few more weeks to see if anything happens.

Luckily my shipment arrived from India a few days ago. I've already soaked and planted everything. Now just to wait and hope I'm treated with some sprouts. I took pictures of all the seeds. I'm surprised how large some of them are!

Brazilian Tree Fern (Schizolobium parahybum)

 Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) after scarring and soaking 24 hours, notice the two upper right seeds haven't swollen and are not ready to plant.

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum syn. Cyphomandra betaceum) and Royal Poinciana

Screw Pine (probably actually Pandanus fascicularis)

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) - bottom packet

Germinating Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum syn. Cyphomandra betaceum))

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBZ8iw6n2XNe5cw00T3BILBop0u0XCtEOyRKkClPjGQeV0_DQaWlTE6ZiTVsbgpqaDjkSTH9p7JRWbYS99QtpnspqJjQUHvxwE18anTfloKwljkutgH4iWUlrDegBWJQ_pYE-U-9JMO8/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG

    Now for a plant that most people should know, the tamarillo.  I've wanted these seeds for three main reasons:  I love tamarillo fruit, I'm fascinated by fast growing plants, and I am partial to plants with big leaves.  I'm actually surprised I've waited so long to get these seeds.  I was hoping to find some in local grocery stores and markets but I haven't seen any recently.

    The plants are short lived and may only last 5 years or so.  Tamarillos seem to appreciate cooler temperatures with an ideal median of about 18C.  They're adaptable but I'm a little worried it may get too hot for them here.  I tried to grow a Chayote which likes similar temperatures is it was often wilting by the end of the day in the summer.  I think tamarillos will prove more adaptable and be alright as long as enough water is available.

    This is an extremely easy plant to grow from seed.  Room temperature is completely fine and plants may even sprout at 15C or lower.  You can start it like you would any garden vegetable, so just use whatever method has worked for you to sprout tomatoes, lettuce, etc.  A general potting mix with consistent moisture and bright light are perfect.

    Next comes the Screw Pine (Pandanus fascicularis).