Hippeastrum seeds

J.E. Shields jshields@indy.net
Wed, 20 Jul 2005 07:18:05 PDT
Hi Doug and all,

I always start most of my Hippeastrum seeds (not reticulata seeds, however) 
by floating.  It always works for me.  Transferring the seedlings to 
potting mix is trickier.

Here is how I do it:

Plant the very small seedlings (one leaf, one or two roots) in a fairly 
fine mixture.  I use something more water-retentive than my usual gritty, 
fast-draining mix used for larger bulbs.  I'm currently using Promix BX - 
Sand ( 2 : 1 ).  Once planted, the little seedlings need to be gradually 
acclimated to a lower humidity environment.  I used to cover the pot with a 
loose sheet of Saran wrap or other clear plastic, and water from 
below.  Now I just set the pots in my lath house under three times a week 
misting.  Both approaches work just fine, with very little if any loss of 
plants on potting.

Note that my climate is not in the least like Southern California or 
southern Australia!  Right now we are having hot (30 - 32°C or 86 - 90°F) 
days and warm nights (21°C or 70°F) with high humidity.

Regards,
Jim Shields
in central Indiana (USA)


*************************************************
Jim Shields             USDA Zone 5             Shields Gardens, Ltd.
P.O. Box 92              WWW:    http://www.shieldsgardens.com/
Westfield, Indiana 46074, USA
Tel. ++1-317-867-3344     or      toll-free 1-866-449-3344 in USA



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