Romneya coulteri

Germination

Sow under glass in autumn-winter. Sow indoors at any time. Indoors, surface sow onto a moist but well-drained sowing mix with added sand or perlite for drainage. Do not cover seed, simply press into the soil. Light is needed for germination. Cold stratify, ideal temp. 2-5°C for 2-3 months, a fridge is ideal. Remove to warmth 10-15°C for germination. In a greenhouse allow natural winter cold, followed by spring warmth to offer ideal temp. conditions. Germination can be difficult and irregular often taking several months. It is said germination can be improved by smoking the seeds with a pine-based smoke. As soon as radicles appear transplant carefully to final position. This plant resents transplanting and many plants can be lost at this stage.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Offer a sheltered location away from cold, drying winds. Can be slow to establish taking several years to bloom from seed. Offer a deep, dry winter mulch for protection.

Cultivation

This plant will die down in winter. Pruning Group 6. Cut back to near-ground level in mid-spring as this stimulates strong, new growth. Avoid pruning in winter to prevent frost damage on new shoots. Propagate by seed or basal cuttings taken in spring.