Question
My sarracenia plants produced lots of seed this year and I'd like to try germinating the seed.  I was planning to use 50/50 peat/fine pumice mix.  I have lots of living sphagnum moss (yes folks, the living sphaghnum Sarracenia NW sells really will grow) and was considering chopping it up in my food processor, layering it over the peat/pumice before throwing the pot to the elements.  Will this help keep down the fungal cooties.  Should I also try to sterilize the seed with a five minute soak in hydrogen peroxide or 10leach solution? I like to avoid messing with fungicides if possible.  Has anyone tried soaking the seed in Oxyclean or some other enzymatic detergent to see if that helps break down the seed coat and encourage germination?  I'm fond of plant experimentation and like a challenge.

Thank you,

Jan Jeddeloh, Portland, Oregon

Answer
Hi Jan,

Avoid using live sphagnum moss.  The moss will grow much faster than your seedlings and will quickly smother them.  The mix you've indicated is fine to use.

You can soak your seeds in hydrogen peroxide or a weak solution of bleach.  Soak them for no more than 1 minute.  WE haven't tried any of the enzymatic detergents, but if you're willing to experiment, let us know how it turns out.

I wouldn't rule out fungicides altogether.  Sufur fungicides are benign and do an excellent job in controlling fungus.  The fungal spores you need to be most worried about are those that are already in the peat moss.  So its usually treating both the soil and the seeds that will control the fungus during the stratification process.

Another good all-natural fungicide is Neem oil.  We use this at the nursery with good results.  Regardless of the products you use, always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin