Hardy Tropicals UK

Hi everyone,

I was watching Gardeners World and saw what, after a bit of google searching, I think was a Sonchus fruticosus. I'd love to get one for my garden, but can only seem to find seeds being sold. Does anyone have experience of Sonchus seed propagation?

Thanks,

Isy

I brought some Sonchus seed back from the Canneries two years ago they germinated and the seedlings were overwintered out side. I have some planted out in the garden. They germinated without any problem at all. However the seed was fresh, I picked it myself.

EDIT, I should have said I don't know which Sonchus it was, however it was from Grand Canaries but quite low level so I doubt it is very hardy.

I have grown most of the 'dendro-sonchus' often with seed from rareplants.eu.

It is nearly always viable.

They don't like heat though, so at this time of year I wouldn't use 'extra' heat.

Of all the species I've grown, fruticosus is actually the best and the only one that is fairly reliably hardy unprotected in the open garden [Cornwall].

Even it isn't perfectly hardy and I always keep a cutting protected inside in case I lose the main plant.

Chad

ps. Was it Mike Clifford's garden?

He is only about 30 miles away from you and once restrictions are lifted he would probably sell you a plant.