AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been growing plants from seeds for at least 20 years. I have grown literally hundreds of different kinds of vegetables, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, tropicals, some cacti, water plants, iris, rose, lilies, cannas, etc. I enjoy starting from seed.
Experience I've been growing my own seeds for 20 years with indoor propagation equipment I built myself. I am also an Allexperts volunteer on the perennial forum. I have completed the Master Gardener course through the Kansas State University Extension. I have experience with a wide variety of seeds and I have also read through Norm Deno's books on seed germination.
Question Hi - I am germinating mango seeds - want to grow as houseplants.
i see some varieties from mexico [ataulfo] and jamaica are polyembrionic.
A Jamaican seed is growing 3 different seedlings.
If I don't kill the smaller seedling will the plant survive? I would like to keep
them all - maybe separate them [when would be a good time? how?] and give
some away.
I like the 3 plants in the same pot.
for teh winter a couple of compact fluorescent bulbs [26 W 100 W equivalent]
on clamp lights would be sufficient?
thanks
stefano
[brooklyn ny]
Answer Hi Stefano,
Thanx for your question. Generally, one selects the strongest shoot and cuts off the others for best results. You can also separate the seedlings very carefully. Do not tear or injure the cotelydons (seed leaves). You should separate when the seedlings are large enough to handle. Polyembrionic seedlings are said to come true so the plants resulting should resemble and produce fruit of the mother plant. Keep the seedlings under 40 watt shop lights. In the winter, indoors, place in an east facing window. I had a plant that I put in and east-facing patio doors for maximum natural light. I hope this helps.
Tom
