brent

What's the fastest way to propagate and grow hen&chicks in Seattle?
Also, is there a group of people that would be willing to trade
unusually varieties?

Brent

pam - gardengal

Sempervivums are typically propagated by their offsets, which are produced
in profusion. They can also be grown by seed produced by the flowering
stalks. Let the flowers wither and form their little star-shaped fruit/seed
capsules. When these are dry, crush them and sieve to remove the seeds.
Germination will be enhanced by stratification for several weeks in the
refrig or by sowing outdoors to overwinter.They hybridize very freely, so
seed grown semps are unlikely to resemble exactly the parent plant.

FWIW, there are a number of speciality growers of sempervivums and
jovibarbas in the Puget Sound region, which is why such a diverse assortment
of hens and chicks are available at better area nurseries.

pam - gardengal

phisherman

They are slow growers so giving them ideal conditions should speed up
growth (sun, quick drainage, with occasional light organic feedings).
They send out runners then root in the soil. There are many
varieties, you should contact your local gardening clubs and attend a
few meetings to get to know other gardeners (they will know sources).

madgardener

ohhhhhhhhhh I have only 19 kinds and some are blooming right
now...........I adore semps, sedums and the like. easy to grow they are.
madgardener

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We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect." Chief Seattle