What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
Habit
annual or perennialPlants of the World Online
Flower
Brick-redRead from the photograph on this page
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Sources: Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Read from the photograph on this page — Deno's Garden.
Worth knowing
Carolina bristlemallow is the only species in its genus. Probably native to South America, it has become naturalized across the tropical and warmer temperate world, often in gardens and lawns.Wikipedia: Modiola
This source reports 6 treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty ModerateRated by us, not by the source.
Start around April 1, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 31, 2026.
1
Dry storage
Duration: 365 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2
Alternating temperatures
Temperature: 40–70°F 4–21°C
about 12 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2, in 5 days.
60% germination in 3–5 days.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty ModerateRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 31, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 5 days to germinate.
34% germination in 3–5 days.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty HighRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 29, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 28, 2026.
1
Dry storage
Duration: 365 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 12 months from start to sowing. Then 8 days to germinate.
24% germination in 4–8 days.
Protocol 4
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty HighRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 27, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 26, 2026.
1
Dry storage
Duration: 365 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
about 12 months from start to sowing. Then 10 days to germinate.
21% germination in 6–10 days.
Protocol 5
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty HighRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 28, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 27, 2026.
1
Dry storage
Duration: 365 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2
Gibberellic acid soak
3
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
about 12 months from start to sowing. Then 9 days to germinate.
20% germination in 3–9 days.
Protocol 6
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty HighRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 16, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 15, 2026.
1
Dry storage
Duration: 365 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 40°F 4°C
3
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 germinated in this phase.
Steps after step 2 run on after germination.
about 12 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2; time not stated, 21 days assumed.
