Question
Hi Guys!  Im wondering... what is the best way to grow flytraps from seed.  Spahgnum peatmoss and perlite  or The beige peat moss like what is found in orchid containers and perlite?  DO I sprinkle them on the mix and mist it from the top or how?  

THANKS AGAIN   YOUR PLANTS ARE STILL AROUND after 6-8 years :)

Dex

Answer
Hi Dexter,

For Venus flytraps I prefer peat moss and sand.  I like to treat the soil surface with boiling water first to kill algae, moss and fungal spores, let cool, then sow the seeds.  Venus flytraps don't have a stratification period, so sow immediately.  They have a very short viability period; a month stored at room temperature, and about 3 months under refrigeration.  For years it was assumed that Flytraps were like Sarracenia with the seed being good for years under refrigeration.  They are not.  Seed needs to be fresh.

I like to sow them right on the soil surface.  Spraying with a sulfur based fungicide is a good preventative.  They tend to germinate quickly.

For more information on growing North American carnivorous plants from seed consider our volume #1 DVD.  We have a section on just this topic.  http://www.cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=

From our caresheet pages:  http://www.cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=23&chapter=1

Good Growing!

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