Question
Hi-Around a year ago I bought some venus flytraps seeds. Now I've decided to start growing them. They came with silica sand and compost. Will it be too late to germinate them after a year? Whilst they are still seeds, what lighting conditions do they require? Also I have a heat
mat, can I use this for them while they are still seeds?
I've left them on a window sill in a tray of water so it can soak it up. I think its distilled water. I live in Warwickshire in England.


Answer
Hi Lewis,

Since you've already sown the seeds, only time will tell whether they will germinate or not.  Generally flytrap seeds will last for a few months unrefrigerated.  With refrigeration, they can last for several years, though germination rate will decline as time goes on.

I'm also concerned about the compost you're using.  If it is indeed compost (decomposed leaves and forest matter), you might not have much success.  The seeds might germinate, but the high nitrogen levels in the compost will burn the roots.  If the compost is sphagnum peat moss, then you're OK.  Unfortunately, there isn't a way to really tell them apart by just looking at them.  You'll have to do a soil analysis using test strips.  (You can find them at your local garden center.)  

Lighting isn't important when germinating seeds.  It only matters once germination happens.  Flytrap seedlings require partial sunlight (4-6 hours of direct sunlight).  Shelter your seedlings from the hot afternoon sun.

Since we're well into the summer months, you won't need a heat mat.  The main issue is the viability of your seeds.  If they are indeed viable, you should see germination in 4-6 weeks.  After that, your plants will reach flowering maturity in 2-3 years.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin