Question
Hello!

I live in zone 7 and was considering buying the Holiday Collection (http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Holiday-Plant-Collection-p/11901.htm) for my outdoor windowsill flowerboxes. Would this be a good idea? How far apart should spacing be?

Answer
Hi Kim,

I found this question in the Question Pool, and I wasn't sure if you might have called or e-mail us, so I'll answer it now.

If you did purchase the Holiday collection, they will do fine in a window box under the following conditions.  You need to be able to keep the plants very wet in the summer.  If you have the ability to use the flowerbox as a water trough, you could just leave the plants in pots.  If you plant them, you'll need to water frequently in the summer.  The location needs to get at least 1/2 a day's sun.  Sarracenia and Venus flytraps have about the same sun requirements as vegetables and tomatoes.  A North facing exposure would not work.

In winter you may need to consider wrapping the boxes during very cold weather since you're zone 7, and they are up off of the ground.  If you had the ability to remove them and move them to a more sheltered location during severe cold, that's great too.

For more detailed, hands-on information on growing North American carnivorous plants, consider our volulme #1 DVD.  It's great at helping newer growers avoid the pitfalls so common to aspiring carnivorous plants growers.  http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com/Grow-Carnivorous-Plants-DVD-1-p/01111.htm


Good Growing!

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