Question

TwoFlowers   I live in Southern California (8a-9a). I've been growing my S. Leucophylla x Rubra ssp. Alabamasis for 2 years outside full-time facing east. The soil type is relatively equal proportions of peat,
pearlite, pumice, and horticulture sand on a bed of dried sphagnum moss.
I bought the plant when it was either two or three years old, but it was not flowering. Last year, the Sarracenia exploded in growth, but didn't produce any flowers. I figured it would probably flower this year, but I've just been waiting for it to wake up. I checked it this morning and not only does it have a bunch of pitchers popping up fast, it has two flower stalks. Is this normal? Is it safe for the plant? Shouldn't the plant have a few pitchers first?
I apologize if this is trivial. I'm just concerned something may be wrong because the flower stalks are bigger than the pitchers.

Answer
Hi Braden,

This is super normal.  Your plant is doing exactly what it should.  Many Sarracenia species send up flowers before pitchers.  Sarracenia leucophylla and Sarracenia flava always send up flowers before their pitchers.  Rubra's tend to do it at the same time, as does Oreophila.  Some species tend to send flowers up later, especially S. minor and S. psittacina.  Since you have a hybrid you tend to see a mix on the timing.  This plant should produce some beautiful scented red flowers.  The timing of your plant coming out of dormancy is about right based on your location.  Enjoy your flowers this year!

Good Growing!

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