How Quickly Does Alpine Storksbill Flower Grow?

Alpine storksbill (Erodium alpinum) is a lovely wildflower that grows in mountainous regions. These dainty flowers belong to the geranium family and are a favorite of gardeners and nature lovers alike. In this article we’ll take a close look at how quickly alpine storksbill flowers grow from seed to full bloom.

A Brief Overview of Alpine Storksbill

Before we dive into growth timelines. let’s review some key facts about alpine storksbill

• Alpine storksbill is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, especially the Alps. It thrives in rocky, well-drained soil at higher elevations.
• These wildflowers produce a mat of low, hairy leaves and tall flowering stems up to 12 inches high.
• The delicate flowers have five pink to purple petals with contrasting black stamens protruding from the center.
• Alpine storksbill blooms from early summer to early fall, producing an abundance of flowers when conditions are right.
• After blooming, the flowers give way to long, pointed seed pods resembling a stork’s bill, hence the name “storksbill.”

Now that we’re familiar with this dainty mountain wildflower, let’s look at how quickly it progresses from seed to flower.

Germination Period

Like many wildflowers, alpine storksbill grows readily from seed. The germination period – the time from when the seed is planted to when the first shoots emerge – is approximately 14-21 days.

Several factors influence the germination rate:

• Soil temperature – Seeds germinate best in cooler soil temperatures between 40-75°F. Some seeds will fail to germinate if soil is too warm.
• Light exposure – Seeds require some light to germinate, so sowing on the soil surface works better than burying seeds too deeply.
• Moisture – Seeds should be kept moist but not soaked during the germination period. The soil surface should be misted regularly.
• Planting time – Fall and winter sowing is recommended so seeds undergo natural cold stratification. This helps break dormancy.

With proper care, most alpine storksbill seeds will germinate within 14-21 days when planted in late fall or early winter. Adequate moisture and cool soil temperatures are vital.

Seedling Growth

Once the first true leaves emerge, the alpine storksbill seedling stage begins. Seedlings grow slowly at first, developing roots and leaves before rapid growth occurs.

Here’s what to expect in the seedling stage:

• 2-4 weeks after germination – Seedlings have 2-4 true leaves and reach 1⁄2 to 1 inch in height. Root development is still occurring. Cool temperatures are ideal.
• 4-8 weeks after germination – Seedlings reach 2-3 inches tall and have 6-10 leaves. Root system is established. Growth accelerates with warmer spring temperatures and adequate moisture.
• 8-12 weeks after germination – Seedlings are actively growing and may reach 6 inches in height. The stem begins to elongate and small flower buds are visible. Water regularly to support rapid growth.

The seedling stage lasts approximately 12 weeks total, sometimes longer in colder climates. Healthy seedlings will be well-rooted and have stems elongating in preparation for blooms by early summer.

Time to Flower

From germination to first bloom, alpine storksbill flowers take 14-18 weeks to fully develop depending on growing conditions.

Here are the general timeframes:

• 14-16 weeks after germination – Flower buds are visible on elongating stems. Buds are pink and oval-shaped, arranged in loose clusters.
• 16-18 weeks after germination – Buds open to reveal delicate pink to purple blooms with contrasting stamens. Plants may reach 6-12 inches in height when flowering.
• Early summer to fall – Plants bloom continuously under ideal conditions, producing abundant flowers from early summer through the first frost. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.

The timeline from seed to first bloom may be a bit shorter if seeds are started in late winter or early spring. Warmer temperatures and adequate moisture will accelerate growth. But even during cooler spring weather, alpine storksbill takes 14-18 weeks to progress from seed to mature, blooming plant.

Growing Conditions for Optimal Growth

To achieve the quickest growth and most abundant blooms from alpine storksbill, optimize these key growing conditions:

• Cool temperatures – Ideal daytime temperatures are 60-70°F and 40-55°F at night. Plants tolerate frost but prolonged heat causes them to fade.
• Sun – At least 6 hours of direct sun daily results in the heaviest flowering. Partial shade is tolerated.
• Moist, well-drained soil – Water 1-2 times per week to maintain evenly moist soil. Don’t allow soil to dry out completely.
• Low fertility – Like many alpine plants, storksbill thrives in mineral-rich but nutrient-poor soil. Avoid fertilizers which encourage foliar growth over flowers.

With cool mountain conditions, plenty of sun, and moisture retentive soil, alpine storksbill will grow and bloom quite quickly compared to some alpine plants.

Approximate Timeline

To recap the full timeline for alpine storksbills flowers:

• Week 1-3: Seeds germinate within 14-21 days when sown in late fall/early winter
• Week 4-12: Seedlings establish roots, leaves, and elongate stems over a 12 week period
• Week 14-16: Flower buds appear and elongate
• Week 16-18: Blooms open by mid-late spring
• Early summer to fall: Plants flower abundantly under ideal conditions

The entire process from sowing seeds to seeing the first delicate blooms takes approximately 14-18 weeks. With a little patience and proper care, you can enjoy drifts of lovely alpine storksbill flowers in the garden.

Tips for Faster Growth

To maximize growth speed from seed to bloom, follow these tips:

• Start seeds in late fall/early winter for natural cold stratification.
• Use seed starting mix and grow lights to help seedlings thrive indoors over winter.
• Transplant seedlings to the garden 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost date.
• Prepare soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
• Water seedlings frequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Use row covers or cold frames to protect plants from late frosts and heavy rain.
• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering into fall.

With the right cultural techniques, you can shave off a few weeks from the total timeline. Just be sure to provide alpine storksbills with cool, sunny mountain conditions to see them thrive.

Enjoying Alpine Storksbill’s Delicate Beauty

One of the joys of growing alpine flowers like storksbill from seed is witnessing the transformations over their growth cycle. In as little as 14 weeks, you can progress from dry seeds to exquisite blooms that seem to glow against their ferny foliage.

Take time to appreciate the subtle charm of alpine storksbill. Let these wildflowers transport you from your garden to the European mountainsides where they thrive. Our hope is this article gave you a good overview of how quickly storksbill flowers grow and bloom. Soon you can enjoy their beauty firsthand!