Puya Mirabilis- A study in seed viability

These Puya Mirabilis seeds were sown, using my dome method, several weeks ago.

They were leftovers from late spring 2011, and sat in the hot garage last summer, until I located them.

The germination rate appears to be about 25%, and could climb higher over time.

 

All things considered, this is quite admirable, and demonstrates how well Puyas have adapted to the harsh conditions of the Andes.

Puya Mirabilis in a Planter Box

These 3 year old Puya Mirabilis were planted in this location in late Spring of 2012. Since then, they have grown quite rapidly, tolerating the full Bakersfield sun quite admirably.

They also survived several 20+ winter nights with no freeze damage.

Puya Chilensis- Year 4

The label on this Puya Chilensis has an initial date of 4-11-09, when the original seed was sown.

Since last year, it has thrived in full sun in the Bakersfield summer, as well as survived some 20+ nights this last winter, with no damage.