[Arisaema-l] Arum Seed

[DAVID LEEDY]

I was a newby to the Arisaema Enthusiasts Group (AEG) last Fall.  That was also my first season of trying to grow hardy aroids.  My experience with arisaema tubers was a disaster and I lost many rather expensive ones.   I would like to try some of the “easier” ones this next year, if I can find them.  However, my experience with Arum tubers was moderately successful (only killed one).
 
In February 2012, I received a good number of arum seed (the 2011 distribution) through the AEG.  Following the directions of that group and/or some directions I received from others, I placed each batch of seed in hot water and left it for 24 hours.
 
Then, after attempting to re-clean each seed, I placed it on a paper towel sheet, sprinsed that sheet with water, folded it into 1/9th size.  I then folded that moist paper towel sheet into a second paper towel sheet, which I also sprinsed with water and placed the “package” into a small plastic bag.  I then placed these small plastic bags into a plastic box, located on top of my refrigerator, the warmest spot in the house. 
 
The germination of Arisaema seed was very successful and before long I had well over 150 Arisaema seedlings (many didn’t make it further).  However, none of the arum seed germinated and many rotted.
 
By July 2012, six months later, I was ready to try my second batch of arum seed (the 2012 distribution),  having read that arum seed can take up to 120 days to germinate.  This batch I intended to cold stratify by placing the plastic bag in the refrigerator, where it was cold.  I also placed the few bags remaining of what appeared to be viable seed from the 2011 distribution into the refrigerator.
 
Upon checking for the first time, about 45-50 days later, on September 15, 2012, I found all of the (2011 distribution) Arum cyrenaicum (13 seed) and all of the (2011 distribution) Arum purpeospathum (17 seed) had sprouted.  None of the 2012 distribution seed had yet sprouted as well as the few remaining plastic bags of 2011 distribution seed, which also had not sprouted.
 
None-the-less, I am elated that for the first time I have managed to germinate arum seed.  And, like most plant collectors, gardners, and horticulturalists, I enjoy my successes and forget about my failures.
 
David Leedy
 
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