Pulsatilla vulgaris

Germination

If the seed has a long tail on it remove this prior to sowing. Sow in a cold frame in autumn. Sow indoors at any time. Surface sow onto ,moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. In a cold frame allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors sow and keep at 18-22°C for 2-4 weeks then cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C. for 4-6 weeks then remove to warmth for germination, no more than 18°C. Germination takes 1-6 months and can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a very well-drained soil in full sun. Ideal for the rock garden, border or cold greenhouse. This plant may take a while to establish and then dislikes root disturbance so move to its final growing location as soon as possible and then leave it alone.

Cultivation

Requires little attention. Will self-seed freely in ideal growing conditions. Propagate by seed or root cuttings taken in winter.