I didn't mention the potting mix names as there would not be the same brands over in California. Nor did I mention which seedlings, as I would possibly have had Alberto breathing fire because of not leaving the seedlings longer in pots. ;-) I germinated the Zephyranthes jonesii seeds on water, then put theseedlings in 2 pots. There can be other variables too of course. One would be that since I started this experiment, I also was told that the fertilisers used in soil-less mixes, starts working from the moment it is put in, so a 6 months fertiliser, if the bag sits in the store for 4 months, has only 2 months fertiliser left. I used Tui's all purpose potting mix which is supposed to be suitable for both inside and outside use. I looked up the properties for Tui's: Potting mixes are made by blending naturally occurring materials including bark, pumice, sand, plant mulch including chicken compost with a mixture of minerals. The material contains a variety of living micro-organisms including bacteria, fungi and protozoa. And Daltons premium potting mix This Premium Potting Mix is a blend of Daltons unique Bark Fibre, CAN Bark Fines, Coco Fibre and Pumice. Containing Osmocote® controlled release fertilisers, Daltons 'Grower's Choice' wetting agent and Osmoform® starter fertiliser, this commercially proven potting mix is perfect for all indoor plants and can also be used in outdoor pots. Trichodry® is added for chemical free disease suppression and improved plant health and vigour. It is Tui's which turned out the better one. It is also the brand which produces iron based snail and slug killer, which is most effective and harmless to birds, pets and children. Ina Crossley On 28/05/2012 2:12 a.m., Gastil wrote: > Hi Ina, > > So... Im in suspense. Which potting mix grew healthier seedling > bulbs? Perhaps the same brands as available in NZ will not be > available in California so may I ask the characteristics of the better > mix? > > I have referred to this page: http://tomclothier.hort.net/page12.html > in the past to look up the properties of seed mix components. In my > limited experiments (very limited), I sowed some in soil-less mix in > pots and some in the ground and the ones in the ground far out grew > the potted ones. But of course there were so many more variables than > just the mix, and my lots were tiny. > > I know you grow a lot of Zephranthes and Habranthus. Were those the > seeds in your experiment? > > Im writing personally as I do not wish to put you on the spot. Any > details are welcome, either by list or privately. > > Thank you, > Gastil -- Ina Crossley Auckland New Zealand Zone 10