Question
QUESTION: Hi Jeff,

I read in a CP book that Drosophyllum seeds can be sown on wet sand and once they start to germinate they should be transplanted to their final pot. How do you think about it?

I have had at least 15 seeds from which only 1 germinated... The plant is fine, luckily. Still I think it was more luck so far...

I usually scarify the seed as you described in your DVD, then soak it in fresh water for 1-2 days before sowing it on their favorite media. However, I don磘 see any progress, but rather gnats walking around... I am afraid they might be eating the seed, since it is uncovered due to the scarification as well. So I just wanna try to sow on sand, I guess gnats won磘 appear on sand.

Thank you for your recommendation.

Cheers, JP

ANSWER: Hi JP,

Whether you use sand or other media the seeds should be buried slightly just for the reasons you describe.  

Since we produced the volume #2 DVD we've adjusted our technique on Drosophyllum germination.  What we do now is germinate them in 2-3 inch peat or fiber pots in the standard media for growing them.  Once seeds germinate the entire pot is planted in a larger pot where the plant will remain for the rest of its life.  This method works so well I really don't recommend anything else now.  Seedlings will tolerate transplanting, but they are still very delicate.

Other factors can affect germination too.  One of the biggest many growers are finding is the age of the seed.  Drosophyllum seed that is too fresh doesn't germinate as well as older seed.  We get our best germination from seed that is a year old or older.  The last batch I sowed was from 2012.  Germination was about 80%.  With good seed, and scarification, germination usually takes 15-30 days.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jeff,

thanks for your fast reply!

The thing with the fiber pots, I read it too in Peter D碅mato磗 book... I磍l have a try then!

Do gnats come from "outside" or they just appear from nowhere generally on peat/sphagnum? Maybe I can put a thin layer of sand as top dressing to prevent gnats from appearing?

And about the scarification. Only the fat part right? When you bury the seed, does it matter if the fat part is downside or upside? When buried in the tiny whole (as shown on DVD#2), should it still be covered with media or not? What is the idea of covering it? Protection from gnats? Humidity?

Merci beaucoup monsieur!

Cheers,

JP

Answer
Hi JP,

Fungus gnats come from the outside and lay eggs on the soil.  This is why the sand helps as it keeps the top layer too dry for the eggs to hatch.

Yes the fat part.  Don't scar the tip.  All your trying to do is open the seed coat slightly.  Yes, cover it with media.  Just don't go more than about 1 cm deep.  Covering it protects it from fungal spores, bugs, snails, and aliens.  It does keep the moisture consistent too.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com