Germinating Sarracenia species in the U.K.

[dcobbold]

I am still relatively new to this topic, this being only my third year of attempting to germinate Sarracenia seed, and I have had very variable results so far. In my first year, I had quite a lot of successful germinations of S. Flava, but NO germinations of S. Purpurea, but last year (my second try) had NO germinations at all from my Sarracenia seeds. :cry: This year I have also obtained seed from some UK growers, and want to maximise the chance of successful germination. When, i.e. in which month, do most people sow their seeds in the U.K., and under what conditions? Should I spray with fungicide on sowing, and if so, which one? I have read the usual general sources of advice on germinating CP seeds, but what do YOU do to try to ensure good germination?

[dcobbold]

I forgot to add that my source of Sarra seed for my first two attempts was the UK CPSoc.

[-=Joel=-]

I was told now is the right to be sowing your seeds as they need the cold , stratifaction, to help them germinate.

Joel

[Guest Aidan]

See this thread:

http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12677

... which also links to another thread on the same subject.

[dcobbold]

Thanks Aidan, the threads were most useful regarding stratification, and when to plant. HOWEVER, do you or anybody recommend spraying sown seeds with fungicide, and if so which one?

[Guest Aidan]

I have never had the need. Some will rot, but they will likely be dead anyway. Fresh seed should yield a very high germination rate with nothing more than stratification.

[Alexis]

my source of Sarra seed for my first two attempts was the UK CPSoc

I've never been able to germinate a sarracenia seed from the CPS

Fresh seed sown in January/Febraury in the greenhouse will germinate readily in spring.

[dcobbold]

Do you recommend keeping sown seed covered by a plastic bag, or in a propagation tray to keep humidity high, or would you sow seed and leave it uncovered? In the Savage Garden, Peter D'Amato recommends keeping sown seed covered.

[dcobbold]

Where do you get your seed then Alvin?

[Phil B]

hi David, i sowed seed for the 1st time last year - just popped it onto 50:50 sand:sphagnum peat mix, kept it moist and waited. And waited. Then WOOSH ! i got loads in the space of a few weeks in April/May (i think it was). Fresh seed, cold then warmth and patience is the key. I stratified some in the fridge - in a little zip lock bag filled with rain water for 4-6 weeks and they germinated really quick once id sown them around mid summer.

Phil

[Guest Aidan]

Sow on the surface, stick it in the greenhouse and other than ensuring that it stays damp,... forget about it!

[Alexis]

Where do you get your seed then Alvin?

My own seed mostly, but also members on the forum.

[dcobbold]

Thanks everyone, I just might have a fun time tomorrow planting some newly acquired seed.