Optimum Storage and Germination Conditions for Seeds of Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.) from Florida

Clean seeds of pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L. [Pontederiaceae]) germinated best (84 to 94%) under water, even after being stored dry up to 6 mo at about 25 °C (77 °F), but germination of clean seeds under water was reduced to 43% when seeds were stored at 4 °C (39 °F) for 6 mo. Underwater germination of seeds enclosed in fruits was less effective; germination of fresh fruits or fruits stored for 3 mo ranged from 70 to 90% and was reduced to 38 to 42% when seeds were stored for 6 mo. The least effective method was burial, which significantly reduced germination in seeds or fruits stored for 3 or 6 mo. Understanding seed cleaning and germination requirements will make it even easier to propagate this attractive native perennial freshwater shoreline species.