TOW: Veltheimia
Bonsaigai37@aol.com (Fri, 30 Jan 2004 15:56:51 PST)

Hello to seed starters,
I have grown Veltheimia bracteata three times from seed, (once for V.
capensis). Each batch was sown in 1:1 peat/perlite mix with bottom heat and covered.
Seeds began germinating within ten days and I had 90-100% germination within
one month. The V. capensis had 80% germination with the same treatment, but
in all respects slower. No other treatment was used. One batch was from
Silverhill, two from IBS-SX.

A question of Veltheimia hardiness in Ohio was mentioned earlier. I would
say no, although I've never tried...

I think that many gardeners need to invest in a $25 heating pad for starting
seeds. Whether it's tomatoes or rare Amaryllids, the results are well worth
the investment. Sunny windowsills simply don't cut it in Ohio. A garden
editor asked me for an idea for an article about a product. I mentioned the
heating pad. She had done it, but it didn't go over well because it didn't
photograph. It is a necessary tool for any gardener. Ok ok it's not a trowel, but
still a good tool. ;7)

One of the quite joys of gardening is propagating plants!
From pristine white root radical to leafy, green and thriving ...

Waxing all too poetic,
Michael Loos