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Lodewijkp
02-18-2008, 11:00 AM
I tested the new agave montana seeds on germination.

fresh seeds:

the first batch germinated in four days in weet/moist conditions under light, with minor temp fluctations ranging 18 C to 28 C.

the second batch germinated in 2 weeks in dry conditions under light.

third batch didn't germinate in dark conditions at 30' C in moist conditions

old seeds:

the first batch germinated in 2 weeks in weet/moist conditions under light, with minor temp fluctations ranging 18 C to 28 C.

the second batch didn't germinate in dry conditions under light 20 C.

third batch didn't germinate in dark conditions at 30' C in moist conditions .

seedling don't like very wet conditions but more like light fluctating moist conditions.
soil types :

Sand- dried up to quick - average result, seedling development slow.
cocceapeat - good result, good moisture control , good seedling development
special seed soil - becomes crusty when a dry up session is allowed, their roots don't like this one.
Normal soil for room-garden- soil too heavy, risk of fungus
Microwave sterilized pine leaves mixed with cocceapeat- i think this is the best, it simulates their native habitat.

Zac in NC
02-18-2008, 04:53 PM
Yes, I can imagine that the Pine with the cocoa peat would work well, as you said, it does mimic the natural setting. This is one of my most favorite Agaves out there, and I have been to see it several times in the wild in MX.

Zac

bigdog
02-18-2008, 09:31 PM
I've got about 100 or more seedlings that are about 2 years old. I germinated them in a sandy mix, and got nearly 100% germination from them. I don't know why I have 100 of them though! They get pretty big, and I'm not sure my yard would look right with 100 full-sized Agave montanas in it (although that would be pretty cool). I don't really hold out too much hope for them surviving in my climate though. Early cold-hardiness tests by others don't look that promising. Hopefully they will be cold-hardy here though! I've left the flat of them out on some pretty cold nights, and they didn't flinch. It is a spectacular species. Zac, you need to take me with you on your next MX trip! By the way, are you not in Texas anymore, or was that that just temporary?

turtile
02-19-2008, 07:29 PM
I've got about 100 or more seedlings that are about 2 years old. I germinated them in a sandy mix, and got nearly 100% germination from them. I don't know why I have 100 of them though! They get pretty big, and I'm not sure my yard would look right with 100 full-sized Agave montanas in it (although that would be pretty cool). I don't really hold out too much hope for them surviving in my climate though. Early cold-hardiness tests by others don't look that promising. Hopefully they will be cold-hardy here though! I've left the flat of them out on some pretty cold nights, and they didn't flinch. It is a spectacular species. Zac, you need to take me with you on your next MX trip! By the way, are you not in Texas anymore, or was that that just temporary?

I left two outside (same age) all winter and they didn't show any noticeable damage until a week ago. The outer leaves look like they are rotting but the inner leaves still look good. They have been through 3 nights @ 14F and two days with the temperature never reaching over 27F.

The roots are exposed since they are in pots so they should do better in the ground. Summer (2006) I planted about 10 seeds and left them outside in the pot all winter. They did fine until February when they all rotted. Hopefully they'll do better at a larger size.

dablo93
02-20-2008, 01:37 AM
they say that Montana is the best Agave for north west europe:)
hardy 'till -15 and haves no problems with moisture, can stand unprotected here when its a adult agave.

Lodewijkp
02-20-2008, 10:08 AM
i mulch them with pine needles