Gunnera manicata |
Native Region: Tropical high elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica, Brazil, and Columbia.
Zone Range: 7-10
Preferred Climate: Even temperature; evenly moist to boggy fertile soil; shady sites.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 18 October, 2011
Seed count: 50-60
Description:
This is one of the largest herbaceous perennials in the world growing over 2 meter tall with wider spread. A single leaf can reach 2.5 meter in diameter and are shaped to direct rain water to its roots. Prickly stems. A real show stopper in any garden. Three year old plants are massive, so plan accordingly. Larger cousin of G. tinctoria. Cleaned seed (not berries).
Notes:
Though considered hardy in Zone 7, Gunneras grown in Zones 7-8 need special care in order to survive winters by cutting down all of its leaves in late October to 30 cm of the root ball, use the leaves to make a tent to shed water from the crown. Some folks use a thick layer of dry mulch instead of leaves over the crown for the winter. If so, the mulch should be kept dry by a tarp or other rain proofing material. Remove mulch/leaves when last spring frost is past.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours in room temperature (not hot!) water. We germinate by sow on moist unbleached coffee filter placing seed some distance apart from each other so you have room to prick out the seedlings when they emerge. Fold coffee filter and place in a resealable baggie. Give light and gentle warmth. Check in 14 days and prick out seedlings and transplant in moisture retentive medium. Don't ever let the medium or seedlings dry out. Use a clear plastic cover to maintain humidity. Most should have germinated in 30 days.
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