Caltha palustris

Germination

Direct sow in autumn. Sow indoors in spring. Direct sow just below soil surface and compact soil slightly, allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors, mix seed with moist sand and place in the fridge, 4°C for 2 months. Remove and surface sow onto very wet compost. Ideal temp. 15-18°C. Germination should take a few weeks but can be erratic and take much longer. Do not discard seed tray prematurely.

Growing

Prefers an exposed, open site in rich, boggy soil in full sun. Ideal for pond or steam edges. May not flower for 2-3 years after sowing.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed or by division in late summer or early spring. Cut back after flowering to encourage further blooms. Will colonise an area if allowed to.