Question
QUESTION: I have a P. ionantha that has been blooming for the past three months.  I have collected the seed from previous blooms and stored it dry in my refrigerator.  I also have another two seed pods about to turn brown and split with more new blooms on the way.

What is the best way to germinate these seed?  Does it matter whether they are fresh out of the seed pod versus the ones that were harvested up to two months ago and refrigerated?  Do I need to stratify these in any way?  Should I keep these seeds indoors (I live in SF Bay Area near San Jose) or keep them outdoors when germinating them?  I'm not sure if they need warm or cool temperatures to germinate.

Any help would be appreciated because I want to do what's best for my Ping.

Have new year,

 Randall


ANSWER: Hi Randall,

I haven't personally grown this plant from seed, but I have grown it's close cousin, P. primuliflora.  The seeds will need a short stratification period.  This is going to mean cool and wet.  Your outdoor temperatures in the Bay area would be very comparable to the Florida panhandle where they originate, so just sow them on peat and leave the pots outside.  It's always good to spray with a fungicide.  Also, protect the pots from heavy rain so the soil doesn't get washed out.  I would expect you to see your first germinations in late March.

Good Growing!

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

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

QUESTION: Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the answer.  They are in covered clear water saucers (top and bottom taped together) so rain is not an issue and they do get bright light when the sun is out.

Which fungicides would you recommend and what application strength?  Do I spray as a preventative or do I wait to see if any fungus develops before spraying?  So far the tuberous Drosera seed I've been nurturing have been germinating with no problems with fungus so perhaps I'm ok unless Ping seeds are more susceptible.

I will also be sowing some Sarracenia seed shortly so should I use the same fungicide treatment for these seed as well?

Thanks,

 Randall


Answer
Hi Randall,

Sounds like your conditions are good.  

The fungicide spraying is preventative.  A good all around spray is Safer Brand.  This one is based on sulfur.  I'm a big proponet of the sulfur based fungicides since they are low tox and very good an preventing fungal growth.  You can also get sulfur dust which works just as well for seeds, and is very inexpensive.  We've also had good luck with Neem compounds, but you have to spray a bit more often.  Neem does have the bonus of being insecticidal also.

Treat your Sarracenia seeds unless they are going to be completely outside.  I find when they are exposed to sunlight and rain fungal growth is rarely a problem.

Good Growing!

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