Re: over wintering Drosophyllum

Glenn Rankin (rankin@saiph.hpl.hp.com)
Fri, 13 Sep 1996 14:48:38 PDT

I've grown them for a number of years now, and I haven't had a problem
planting in the fall and having the seedlings survive the winter. Just
make sure the soil doesn't stay too wet (I lost an adult plant this
last winter because it rained too much -- about 20 inches!), and
protect them from freezing temperatures or frost.

I grow them outside in a soil that is very airy and drains rapidly (a
local gravel -- 3-6mm -- of sedimentary origin + shredded pine
needles). During the winter growth slows way down. In the spring
growth resumes with the production of lots of flowers, which pollinate
without any action on my part.

I have noticed that the fresher the seeds are, the higher the
germination rate. After about a year, it's hard to get any to come to
life.

By the way, when I plant the seeds, I don't disturb the seedcoat in
any way. I agree with Joe Mazrimas that scarification isn't necessary
and it encourages a fungus attack.

Green leaves appear about a month after planting.

Glenn Rankin
rankin@hpl.hp.com

>
> CPrs
>
> I have some fresh Drosophyllum seeds... I've heard that the fresher
> they are the better the germination rate. So I if I sow some now
> and they germinate and do some growing before winter sets in I'll
> have young plants to keep over winter.
>
> If you grow these plants what do you with them for the winter? If
> Gordon Wells is reading this in Spain perhaps you might let us know
> what happens there, weatherwise, in the winter (if enjoyed your
> descriptions of their habitat, Gordon).
>
> I might just sow half, and see what happens, and put the rest in the
> fridge and take my chances in the spring,
>
> regards
>
> Seosamh
>
> (Joe Mullins: go raibh maith agat, t=E1 m=E9 l=E1n s=E1sta leo!)
>
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