I’m new to this thread so please be patient. Can we discuss flowers too.
I have a question for anyone who might know something about Bitter Sweet. I bought the seeds last year and it said to put them in the freezer. They are still there. I’m in IN and frost will be here until around Derby time. The first Saturday in May. Does that mean I must wait until May to plant or can I plant the seeds now? Any help will be much appreciated. Ignore if this isn’t a flower thread.
Bittersweet, the vine that gets orange berries?
Sow seeds in spring outdoors in mostly sunny locations once the threat of frost has passed by placing seeds in soil and covering lightly with soil and a thin layer of mulch. Avoid planting near trees as bittersweet’s rapid growth can damage or even kill trees. Mix in compost, peat moss, decaying leaves or manure to recreate the rich, soggy environment American bittersweet prefers.
Thin emerging seedlings to 12 to 36 inches apart. Water regularly to keep soil moist until established.
All types of gardening questions are okay. Also recipes, homesteading advice, health tips, etc. etc.
You can generally plant the seeds in potting mix or seed starter - rule of thumb is about 4-6 weeks before transplant date for most seeds. We put our tomatoes in Dixie cups or Styro cups, sometimes use cardboard egg containers for smaller stuff, and put them in front of our southwest window/patio door.
You have to keep them damp, and if you use soil, they will sometimes get a soil borne disease, hence we use a soiless mix.
I am not familiar with the particular seeds you mentioned though.
Also, forgot to mention, if you do get a frost after you have planted the seedlings, you can cover them with a row cover.
Also you can plant them outdoors in a cold frame, which is pretty easy to build.
Sorry , I didn't see your post #8 on this thread, and I don't know whether or not your question got answered.
The reason for freezing the seeds is because they need to have a "chill period" in order to germinate, much the same as apple trees need a 'chill period' to flower.
If you are reluctant to plant now , take half the seeds and plant indoors in a couple of pots with good balanced soil, in full sun,
and save the rest for later in the season , or for next year. That way you don't have all of your seeds in one basket.
You should see the Bitter Sweet seeds sprouting in 5- 10 days , indoors, in a southern window .
If planted outdoors now, they might get lost in the spring spurt of plant/weed growth, or exposed to frost while still tender shoots.
Don't forget that they need to be 'hardened off' with gradual integration into cold and sunshine Better safe , than sorry !.. or lose your investment altogether .