Question
QUESTION: Dear Jacob/Jeff,

I was fortunate to have my VFT flower stalks form VERY early in the season. I have even already collected seeds from some stalks. Can I sow them right now, or should I wait. Also, if I can do so, how should I start them off.

- Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Ted,

You can sow them now. The seedlings will be very small for the first year, so grow them indoors under strong fluorescent lights.  For details about germinating flytrap seeds, read our care sheets on our main website:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: Is it possible to sow them outside, because i live in zone 9 in California, and winters are very mild. If this is not a good option, should I keep the fluorescent lights on 24/7? Also, how far should the height be from the soil? Can I spray the seeds with the same Bayer mixture that I use, because it is part fungicide?  

Answer
Hi Ted,

Either way will work.  Even in zone 9 winter will be cold enough to stratify the seeds, although flytraps usually don't need it.  If you use the lights, keep them about 2 inches above the pots.  They will benefit from the extra warmth and brightness.  A 24 hour light cycle is fine until the germinate.  Then put the on a 14 hour day.  Use a timer for that.  A fungicide spray is a great idea.  That one will be fine for seeds.

Good Growing!

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