[Help] Germinating Seeds of Sarracenia purpurea hybrids

Vinhdam (vinhdam@nando.net)
Sat, 24 Feb 1996 22:00:56 -0500 (EST)

Hello everyone,

I finally tracked down this list in my attempt to get help on germinating
seeds of Sarracenia purpurea Hybrids. As a beginner in carvonious plants,
I have been trying to grow S. purpurea from seeds without success for the
last two years. The seeds were simply not sprouting.

I obtain the seeds from Thompson & Morgan, a general mail-order seeds
company. I exactly follow the instruction as indicated on the seed
packet, but somehow, I still fail to sprout any seed during my last four
attempts. The instruction is very simple: "Sow in trays, pots, etc of
good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum
temperatrue of 75-80F (25-27C) - Surface sow on a peaty compost and keep
compost slightly moist. - Sow at any time of year. - Germination usually
takes 1-4 months."

I wonder if the above instruction is correct or not. I have read that
S. purpurea seeds need a period of cold weather in order to germinate. I
once tried to put the seeds in the refrigerator for about 4 weeks to
simulate the cold period. It didn't work either.

If you have any experience with Sarracenia purpurea seeds, please advice
me. If you could, please outline your procedure in growing the seeds, in
addition to any caution during the germinating period.

Thank you very much for your help.

Vinh Dam