Date: 20 Nov 1997 14:31:48 +0100 From: Loyd Wix <Loyd.Wix@unilever.com> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg4437$foo@default> Subject: Yet More on Ping seeds
Phil and Alessandro
>The reason I prefer peat/sand to germinate Pinguicula seeds
>is I find the tiny seeds often get lost in the relatively
>large particle sized perlite.
This will be a problem if using perlite on its own as you
say because of the particle size. This is why mixtures
involving perlite work best. If mixed with silver sand for
example you have a bimodal distribution of particle size -
Perlite=coarse, sand=fine. In this relationship sand sits in
the gaps between perlite particles leading to a closer
packed compost structure. In this situation you will not
lose your seeds in crevices in the structure. The use of
vermiculite introduces another size distribution and
importantly shape of particle. By using these 3 components
in different levels or size grades you can tailor make the
texture (packing density) of your composts. For sowing seeds
your packing density needs to be reasonably high.
>The one thing I haven't tried yet is to sow onto powdered
>tufa.
Tufa is great for making composts for the limestone dwelling
Europeans such as P.longifolia and vallisneriifolia. I don't
use it on its own (unless I am growing the plant on a lump
of tufa rock it self), as it has all the consistence of
plaster of Paris when wet and becomes quite hard when dry.
Because of the porous nature of the rock particles the
material also dries out very quickly so you need to keep an
eye on things as far as watering goes.
Stan (Lampard) pre - germinates his Mexican seed in water
filled petri dishes in his growth cabinet transferring the
seedlings to compost as they appear.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Loyd
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