California Beeplant Propogation
I have collected seed from Scropholaria californica or "California beeplant" from the Oak Woodlands in Golden Gate Park. I am going to attempt to propagate these seeds and then transplant them. I separated the seeds by shaking in a ziplock bag, winnowing, then removing any remaining debris I could with tweezers. The final weight of the seed stock was .24 grams. Based on the information from RNGR (Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources) of the amount of seeds per gram of 10,125 seeds per gram I estimate that I have approximately 2,430 seeds.
I am planting them in a reused plastic supermarket container that I cleaned out and drilled drainage holes in. The planting surface area is approximately 6.5" by 7.5" so 48.75 in2. I soaked and drained perlite then added it to the container to a depth of 1.5". I spread the seeds as evenly as possible which should result in about 50 seeds per square inch.
I then sprayed the surface with a dilute solution of Miracle Grow fertilizer at a ration of 1/8 tsp to 1 gallon. I added the lid to the container after drilling two holes in it to allow for air exchange.
I have placed the container on my balcony and will monitor it daily. I am interested to see how the germination of these go. There is certainly a lot I could do to improve my process, right now I just really want to get things in the ground.