Re: Darlingtonia seed available

dave evans (T442119@RUTADMIN.RUTGERS.EDU)
Mon, 02 Dec 96 20:02 EST

> I only have two Darlingtonia plants large enough to flower, so I have
> seed from maybe 6 capsules. From last years experience, this might be
> enough for 20 or so packets (though one of last year's people counted
> the seed they got, and I think it was over 200, so perhaps I was
> putting too many in the packets!).

Hi Clark,

That was me! I tried to find out if an eight week stratification
would improve or damage germination rate for Darlingtonia. I had
no idea there was so many seeds, since when just looking at the
very small pile they made, I thought there might about 50 at most.
However, I found that I was able to divide the seed into two 96
seed batches. One of which went into the fridge, and the other
under lights. Both showed nearly identical germination with
over 90 seeds germinating in both batches. I lost about twenty
plants after that to dampoff. The seed of this species is so small
that Sarracenia look like boulders next to them and it's easy
to believe you have far less than you really do. I suppose
stratification is not needed since the soil they grow on is
always very cold. They simply need the heat (it's a relative
thing here) of Spring to let them know it's time to grow.

Dave Evans