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[phytochemist]

Hi,

I've tried a few times now to germinate Paganum harmala seeds. Climate is warm, sunny, and generally dry although somewhat humid.

Any tips to help germinate them? So far I've just put them in soil, watered them, and hoped for the best. A seedling or two might have germinated but they never survived.

Thanks for any advice.

[Hummingbird]

from what I understand they germinate easily but people are having problems getting them pass the seedling stage!
just do a quick search and you'll find more information, here's a thread I remember having some relevant info:

http://sharetheseeds.me/forum/index.php?topic=354.0

[GrowerAndaShower]

What worked for me was a pot of soil which I covered in a layer of "Paver gravel", and threw seeds on top of the gravel, then gave the pot a light shaking. Throw it outside in the sunniest place you've got and ignore it until you see green stuff.

I came up with a little rhyme for Rue.
I don't know why,
But if you try,
Syrian Rue Seedlings die.

The paver gravel really seemed to make the difference though. Try shittier, sandier, more well-draining soil, and don't try it indoors.

Third year I've tried, first year with success.

[chronic]

Coarse substrate and a pH of around 7 is good for Peganum. This is an advantage to preserve the seedlings before the "fall over disease".

[phytochemist]

Thanks for helpful replies. I think I may have fell victim to the paying too much attention part and overwatered the seeds. I think Ive had seedlings come up but they did not last. I wasnt actually sure if they were rue seedlings or some other weed because it took so long. It wont rain where I am for next few months. How much water is enough / too much. Ill blend up a well drained soil with some small gravel like rocks before I try again this year.

[GrowerAndaShower]

They seem to like drying out. Really, just throw them outside in gravelly soil in the sun, and you'll have better luck than actually trying It's really easy, if you don't try. I'm pretty sure I only had 2 die out of 12 germinated, which was from 15-20 old(bought 4-5 years ago) seeds.

[chronic]

Does anyone have a recommendation for an adapted fertilizer.

[phytochemist]

Any idea long it takes seeds to germinate?

Its been over about 3 weeks no signs of life. I only watered twice. They get plenty of sun.

I remember last time I tried this a seedling a two seemed to appear after a couple months even although they didn't last.

[GrowerAndaShower]

My first one took about a month, then more popped up over the next few weeks. Did you make sure the soil had some gravel/grit to it? I've read a little limestone and minerals from gravel might help rue.