Question
QUESTION: For a couple weeks I've been trying to germinate some N. ampullaria and during the past few days I've realized that I'm probably not providing them with the appropriate conditions.  I have the seeds sowed in little 1 1/2 plastic pots of 1:1 mix of peat and perlite with plastic wrap over the tops of each pot.  The pots are in a windowsill facing south east.  My main concern is that I'm not giving them enough heat.  I have some seed left over.  Should I try germinating some more using a heat mat?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Alex,

Yes, use a heat mat if you want to improve your germination rate.  These seeds germinate best when the temperature is constantly between 70癋 and 80癋.  

You could also attempt to germinate the seeds without the plastic cover.  Some growers have been very successful doing that.  You just have to make sure that the seeds have a firm contact with the soil.  You can also set the pots in very small amounts of water to keep the soil moist at all times.

Also keep in mind that Nepenthes seeds have a very short shelf-life, usually about 3 weeks unrefrigerated.  You can increase the life of the seeds to several years with proper refrigeration, but once they are unrefrigerated, you have only a few weeks to sow them.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: The seeds are relatively fresh, but I had thought that nepenthes seed could last up to around two months without refrigeration.  The seeds I have now are about 1 month old.  How large of a germination rate can i expect?

Thanks

Answer
Germination rate varies considerably from species to species.  The lowland species tend to have a higher germination rate than the highland species, but your environment is also a key factor.  Depending on your temperature, you can see germination in 3-6 weeks.  Growers in Hawaii can get a much quicker germination and a higher germination rate that folks in the continental US.  Also keep in mind that viability also depends on how well the plants were pollinated.  The more pollen you use per flower, the higher the viability rate among all the seeds (which translates to higher germination rate).  To extend the viability of your unused seeds, store them in the refrigerator.

So use a heat mat and give your seeds a bit more time.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin