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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Castilleja (ambigua)

Betty Young
Nurseries Sr Manager
Bldg 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, California 94123
415-331-6917
415-331-7521 (fax)
byoung@ggnpa.org

Family Scientific Name: Scrophulariaceae
Family Common Name: Figwort Family
Scientific Name: Castilleja ambigua Hook & Arn.
Common Name: Paintbrush
Species Code: CASAMB
Ecotype: Marin, County, California
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 3 inch pot
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm plug in container.
Propagule Collection: Seeds are collected between August 1st and December 1st.
Mature seed capsules are dark brown.
Seeds are tiny and should be grey to brown and slightly spongy at maturity.
Propagule Processing: Seed Cleaning: Pods are rubbed over screen to separate seeds from debris.
Storage Conditions: Seeds are kept dry and stored in a refrigerator.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Soak seed for 24 hours. Drain. Place an equal amount of perlite or 100% peat moss in a plastic freezer bag. Refrigerate at 40F for 2 weeks.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Fully Controlled Greenhouse.
Sowing Method: Transplanting Germinants.
2 grams of seeds are sown per flat containing Sunshine Mix #4 Aggregate Plus (peat moss, perlite, major and minor nutrients, gypsum, and dolomitic lime).
Seeds are mixed with media to sow and are surface sown.
Flats are watered in with an automatic irrigation system and misted periodically before germination.
Seeds are sown on January 1st.
% Germination:75%
Establishment Phase: Seeds germinate 14 days after sowing.
Seedlings are transplanted 14 days after germination to individual containers (3 inch pots) containing standard potting mix of peat moss, fir bark, perlite, and sand.
Transplant Survival averages 65%.
Other Comments: This species can be direct seed in the filed for establishment.
C. ambigua is an annual but it can be grown in the nursery to augment seed production. Growit early for spring outplanting; this can be done so plants can seed early in the season and thus reproduce the following winter.
This species can also be hand pollinated in the nursery and the seed collected.

Citation:

Young, Betty. 2002. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Castilleja ambigua Hook & Arn. plants 3 inch pot; San Francisco, California. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.