GUNNERA MANICATA
This is one of the largest hardy herbaceous plants available! Plants produce large puckered and lobed leaves with spiky stems. This plant can be grown in regular soil, or near water where it will become emormous! Absolutely stunning, and an eye-catcher for any large garden.
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zones: 6-10
Location: Sun or part
Height: 2-3 Meters, 7-10 feet!
Seed size: Gunnera seeds are small, and vary in size from 1mm to 2mm round.
Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Your seeds should appear a few weeks after bringing them into warmth.
