Question

Solanum Pyracanthos   QUESTION: Hi, Mike!
I live in Epping, New Hampshire and have a real problem with groundhogs eating my plants. This year, on a whim, I bought 2 little bizarre annuals called Solanum Pyracanthos.  I'd never heard of such a thing before, but they looked groundhog-proof. I wasn't expecting much, but I am really delighted with how these weird plants turned out.  They're in a pot on the deck and are now almost 4 feet tall, with pretty purple flowers and evil-looking thorns.  I would really like to grow more of these next year, but I can't find much information on this plant.  The seed pods look like tiny green cherry tomatoes, and the seeds look like tomato seeds.  What would be the best way to save them, and the best way to plant them in the spring? Do you think I should take cuttings, or maybe bring the pot in for the winter?  I just love these plants, and would truly appreciate any information you can give to help me save them.  Thanks!
Sincerely, Fran

ANSWER: This is a hardy annual in cold climates and a semi-hardy perennial in warm climates, which means it is vulnerable to a hard freeze but can be overwintered either in a greenhouse or lighted area in the house. If you choose to do so, cut it back in the spring and then move it outdoors.

Cuttings are always my primary choice for propagation. This ensures you get an exact replicate of the parent plant. Simply take a 6" cutting from a supple, non-woody stem. Remove all but the top two set of leaves. Dip the bottom of the stem in a rooting compound, which can be purchased at your local garden center. Moisten the potting soil until you the excess water comes out of the drainage hole. Once transplanted, cover the pot with a clear lightweight plastic to hold in the moisture. After several weeks in a lighted area, remove the plastic and treat the cutting as you would a new seedling.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful reply.  I will bring the plants in the house for the winter and will also take cuttings.  I would also like to try growing them from seed, but I'm not sure how to save the seeds.  Should I cut the seed pods off now or do they need to somehow ripen? Should I save them in the refrigerator? Or maybe the freezer? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.  

Answer
Once the pods swell, it is time to cut the pod before it breaks open on its own. You should then place the pods in a paper bag and allow it to dry for several days. Transfer them at this point to a sealed zip-lock bag and place it in the refrigerator. You must store seeds in this manner for a minimum of three months to simulate the dormant period needed for germination.

When you are ready to sow the seeds next spring, you can shake the bag until the seeds dislodge. Sow them as you would any other seed.   
Note: Soaking seeds in tepid water does help speed germination, but you need to be careful as soaking them too long can cause them to rot. I never soak small seeds, but do soak the larger ones, such as sunflower seeds, for four hours in lukewarm water.

I would offer one word of caution about propagating from seed. Seeds grown from your own plants will not necessarily inherit the same traits as the parent plant. The majority of plants sold today are hybrids. Hybrids are bred for specific colors, growing habits, and disease resistance not found in heirloom plants. Hybrid seed are genetically created from two different parent plants by breeders for the characteristics described on the seed packet. You should only propagate your own seed if they are harvested from heirlooms or open-pollinated varieties. These plants will produce seed which will replicate the characteristics of the parent plant. If unsure, you should assume they are hybrids and use cuttings for propagation.

Have a good holiday.

Mike