Re: 3 Q's: gemmae, seedlings and hybrids

From: Russell Elliott (relliott@senet.com.au)
Date: Thu Feb 11 1999 - 05:10:43 PST


Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 13:10:43 +0000
From: "Russell Elliott" <relliott@senet.com.au>
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg402$foo@default>
Subject: Re: 3 Q's: gemmae, seedlings and hybrids

Hi Everyone,

>No definitely not! In fact I find in general that I get better
>germination if I cover the seeds. I suspect that seeds sown
>directly on the surface of the soil run the risk of desiccating at
>that vital moment when the seed case splits and the seedling is
>about to emerge. It only takes one sunny day and the local
>humidity on and around the seed can drop dramatically.

Like Phil, I also just cover my Sarracenia seed, but with chopped
spaghnum as Slack recommends. Before sowing though, the seed
is thoroughly mixed (and stratified) with the chopped moss, and is
then spread over the surface of the growing container filled with
spaghnum moss.

Even though the seed is covered, I suspect enough light infiltrates
the gaps in the spaghnum to assist germination. I usually get
better than 90% germination using this technique.

As Phil also mentioned, Sarracenia seedlings are susceptible to a
hot, dry environment, and will quickly die if exposed to these
conditions (as I have often found!!!!!)

        -Russell Elliott

**********************************************************
Russell Elliott, Seed Bank Director,
Australian Carnivorous Plant Society,
Membership enquiries Brian Denton: bdenton@camtech.net.au
Seed Bank enquiries Russell Elliott: relliott@senet.com.au
WWW: http://www.camtech.net.au/acps
**********************************************************



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