Deno’s Garden

Colchicum luteum

Genus Colchicum

This source reports three treatments. All are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around July 10, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on July 9, 2026.

  1. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 6 months from start to sowing. Then 90 days to germinate.

83% germination in 30–90 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121Public domain
Show the original text
Colchicum (Llliaceae). Germination was hypogeal in the two species studied. Germination occurred at 40 and the seedlings must be kept at 40 for a month after radicle development is complete and until the true leaf begins to emerge before the shift to 70. C. luteum germ. 70-40(5/6 in 1-3 m) and 40-70-40(2/8). Seed placed outdoors in March germ. 5/7 the following October. Germination occurs only at low T.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Sow around March 2027 — a date the source gives, not one counted back from a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow outdoors and leave it

    Sown outdoors in March; up in October.

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 210 days to germinate.

71% germination in 210 days.

This source doesn't state how long.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121Public domain
Show the original text
Colchicum (Llliaceae). Germination was hypogeal in the two species studied. Germination occurred at 40 and the seedlings must be kept at 40 for a month after radicle development is complete and until the true leaf begins to emerge before the shift to 70. C. luteum germ. 70-40(5/6 in 1-3 m) and 40-70-40(2/8). Seed placed outdoors in March germ. 5/7 the following October. Germination occurs only at low T.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 3

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around June 19, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on June 18, 2026.

  1. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 9 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

25% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121Public domain
Show the original text
Colchicum (Llliaceae). Germination was hypogeal in the two species studied. Germination occurred at 40 and the seedlings must be kept at 40 for a month after radicle development is complete and until the true leaf begins to emerge before the shift to 70. C. luteum germ. 70-40(5/6 in 1-3 m) and 40-70-40(2/8). Seed placed outdoors in March germ. 5/7 the following October. Germination occurs only at low T.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Colchicum p. 121. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.