Of about 40 seeds sown, 15 germinated within just a few days, and that was
without stratification or pretreatment of any kind. I just set them on a
damp 50-50 sand-peat mix in plastic pots, sprayed the seeds with water,
covered the pots with mylar film (Handi-Wrap), and left them indoors under
fluorescent light at ambient temperature. Within about two weeks, another
5-6 seeds germinated, and I consider 45-50% germination pretty good not
only for this species but for my first attempt. I dusted some fungicide
to prevent damp-off, and so far have not lost any. As the temperatures
increase and the days lengthen, the seedlings' growth rate is beginning to
accelerate. BTW, my adult Darlingtonia are in clay pots in the same
substratum, and I keep them indoors during our hot summers under the same
lights. Probably not ideal conditions, but not lethal either. I'm
looking into small refrigeration units (such as are used in hanging
drinking fountains) for use in my greenhouse--if I can get the roots cold
and the leaves warm they might do pretty well. So far they haven't
flowered indoors, but they are young yet. They haven't died either so I
guess I'm not doing everything wrong.
Sean Barry