The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => General Cultivation => Topic started by: Alice on March 08, 2013, 02:02:39 AM

Title: Albino seedlings
Post by: Alice on March 08, 2013, 02:02:39 AM

We germinated seeds of Nerium oleander, harvested from our garden. Strangely some (about 18%) came up as completely white seedlings. I have not seen anything like this before. I assume that if they can't photosynthesize they will not survive.
I wonder if anyone has come across anything similar?

Title: Re: Albino seedlings
Post by: Trevor Australis on March 08, 2013, 02:10:41 AM

Was the source of the seed a variegated Oleander? We have a huge variegated holly that generates ample seed. When these germinate a significant %  are white. And, Yes, they die soon after the first seed leaves mature.

Title: Re: Albino seedlings
Post by: Alice on March 08, 2013, 04:14:39 PM

Trevor, the seed came from two different plants, one with pink flowers, the other with salmon flowers, both with normal green leaves. I have not seen a variegated oleander in the area.