Hi Linda:
More than one reason for leaving the seeds uncovered at first:
they need plenty of water to wash out the inhibitors and it is better than
there is no soil covering them at this stage. Second, germination requires
lots of oxygen, more abundantly provided if the seeds are exposed. Third, no
one covers them in Nature. I use this for all types of seed, from A to Z. In
a couple of weeks time inhibitors are washed away and I can anchor the seed
by using grit, or perlite. Vermiculite is not so good unless watering is
provided through a fine misting. Vermiculite although having a great
porosity at first rapidly crumbles to dust due to the force of watering.
This method is good for both types of seed (light or darkness).
Albuca is a great genus and with a number of fascinating variants. PBS is a
great source for fresh Albuca seed. Also Silverhill Seeds. Both Albuca and
African Ornithogalums have seed that has extremely short viability, become
old and die.
Albuca spiralis is a species from a desertic area and must be grown in pure
coarse sand. Seed from my plants fall around the parent plants and come up
in the sand. Other species have different requirements.
Best regards
Alberto
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