I just use my cactus mix. That's because I don't know any better. Some seed I sow in a more "organic" mix because I know the plants normally grow in that type of mix. When I plant Euphorbia leuconeura, I use more "potting soil" mix because my mature plants seem to grow well in this mix. I think you'll have to experiment for your specific growing conditions. I'm also very certain that others with significantly more experience have opinions that will be much more valuable.

I would second that. I used various mixes, but I now use more or less same mix minus a the rough stuff for seedling soil. Make sure you sterilize it well (various methods) and as I do not use any artificial stuff, I use plastic bags (baggy method) for some and just natural for others (crassula for instance). I think you need to first see what you want to sow and then see if you can find info on those. They do differ sometimes. And if its your first, sow half your seeds, because if you make a mistake, you have a little backup..once you are confident go for it. Another option is to try and find seeds from plants in collections or neighbourhood and experiment with those. It is at the end all about finding the best method for your conditions.

Over to Hanz - your turn!

Haha, ok. Well, what I'm going to this year is germinate my seed pots inside closed seed starting trays (3-4 days). Last year I just misted everything heavily for the first few weeks but I wasn't 100% successful. Out of 240 pots, only 200 now survive, some of them with only one plant inside. I had great luck with many species, partial success with others and then the failures. I wish I'd had the foresight to save some backup seeds.

Beach is right about everything. Different treatment for different seeds so it's worth researching special instructions for each genus. I mixed up a special large batch of seed starting mix last year that includes cactus mix, seed starting mix, volcanic pumice, coco peat, horticultural sand and clay dirt from the yard. I still have some of that left so I'll be using it again but sifting out much of the larger grit and sterilizing it. Not sterilizing last year was a problem for me.
For small seeds you want some fines in your mix so your seeds don't get washed down too deep.
Also, I grow outside in an open air greenhouse with 40% shade. It doesn't freeze here.

Sterilize, bag, ventilate, mist, fertilize, transplant....
flower, take picture, pollinize, harvest....
Sterilize, bag, ventilate, mist, fertilize, transplant.....

hahahaha! I could not help myself.

Thank you guys for the tips.
I never tried yet, but would like to.
Do not have any seeds yet, I did see some available where any other seeds are sold - probably ones that are easier to germinate? A packet with a "cactus mix". Maybe should try that to begin with.

Just one more question for now: is any season preferable? We still have 4 where I live, like bikerdoc...
Thnx.

Rina

I'm guessing Spring would be preferable. But perhaps it depends on what you're growing.

I potted up some Thanksgiving cactus seeds given me in Fall. Only one seedling made it, but I think the key was to keep it in a covered container so as not to dry out.

I personally like to use clamshell type hinged containers (often used at delis for a single slice of cake). They're transparent so I can see though them & they close tightly to keep the moisture in. (I planted in AV mix w/extra pumice)

I've also recently done this w/ Hoya seeds & I planted them in 50/50 perlite & chopped up long sphagnum moss. Then placed in a warm west window (since I have no bottom heat to offer them).

The best time to sow Mesembs and many other succulent seeds is in early September, just as Summer is coming to a close. The sensitive seedlings are not big enough yet to survive the hot Summer sun.
That, however, works for me here on the CA coast.

That's not 100% across the board, even for Mesembs. Aloes and Anacampseros like being sown in the Springtime, doing well with the Summer heat as long as they have some protection from direct sun.

The only cacti seedlings I have are Ariocarpus and I've treated them the same with good results, even they show no visible sign of growth.

Hi! If anyone is thinking about using cinnamon in their seed starting mix to prevent mold, it doesn't seem to work.
I just recently tried my luck at growing some 100 F. latispinus and Melocacti from seed, and within 3 days, the soil was covered in mold. I provided all the necessities for growing seeds, but it is my first try. With being in Wisconsin, it probably is going to be my last! :)

There is a good video on YouTube about growing from seed from a guy who calls himself CactusMain. Just search for him and he has a complete how to video. I have been growing my small cacti for over 2 years and about 3 months ago I started a lot more seeds and followed his advice. So far they are green, healthy and growing well. Its not rocket science so dont stress over it too much.

Rina, I think I just bought the same package of seeds. Ferry Morse. I don't even really want any prickly plants, just overcome with curiosity about seeing some of these seeds sprout. Then I'll see how I feel about keeping them or finding homes... The info in this discussion makes me feel ready to try! Did you try yours? How did it go? Anyone else?

Here's exactly what it says on the package, including the punctuation.

"Perennial. Interesting desert plant, requiring little moisture. Easily grown from seed for indoor potted plants or for outdoors in Zones 1 and 2. Packet will produce approximately 15 plants.

Contents: Saguaro, Hedgehog, Fishhook Barrel, Dollar Prickly Pear Desert. Prickly Pear, Christmas Cholla Cane Chollia, Santa Rita Prickly Pear, Cardo'n."

That can't be right about the zones...

There are at least 50 seeds in there, possibly 8 different ones, not sure. Anything different or more specific about the above advice for this experimental package?

Purple

I did not get to growing cacti/succs from seeds yet, didn't buy seeds yet. I am very interested to try but I'll have to still wait until I have more time.
Very interested to hear about you or anyone else's experience/progress. Hope you'll post.

Rina

This post was edited by rina_ on Tue, Jan 15, 13 at 23:38

Oh, excuse me. I must have been skimming along too fast!

One thing I'm not clear on is if it's likely to be successful to begin now, or if it would be better to do this outside when it warms up some. I don't have any more high-light spots available inside, which I'm assuming would be necessary upon germination. No idea how long that would take.

And as I think about it more, I don't even know what mix people grow cactus in. I've never had any cactus. Can I sprout these in sand? (Probably a wrong newbie thought...)

Wow, a thread from 8 months ago! My favorite part is Rian's cyclical verse about the process. I'm going to etch it into my greenhouse table.

Much progress has been made outside. My germination rate this year was hugely improved over last year. This year I'll be sowing lots of what I failed at the first year, Conophytum and Dinteranthus. I've also become more interested in certain cacti recently. I've been reading about Ariocarpus at LivingRocks.com and the seed sowing section made me feel like a baby... lots to learn. Some growers keep their seeds completely sealed airtight for months with the same water! Apparently, if you can pull of the sterilization with proper heat and light, terrific results can be had. My 16month Ariocarpus seedlings still look like nothing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ariocarpus

Well that makes me a procrastinator, right?
I'll get to it one day.

Aren't those Ariocarpus slow growing anyway? So 16 mo may not be that bad?

Rina

Hey Purple,

I'd suggest not using sand. While I haven't done a lot of this, I've started Hoya seeds in mix of chopped up long sphagnum (holds moisture well), & I believe AV mix w/ extra perlite. My TC seedling is in a mix I made (but forgot its components, I'll have to check at home, am at office now).

I didn't give 'em real high light, but near a west window, kind of a bit off to the side. Folks say bottom heat helps a lot, I just didn't have any to offer.

I'd suggest pure perlite to start, & covered to conserve moisture.

Yes, I enjoined Beachplant's verse as well, kind of wacky fun.

Hi Everyone!

Purple, I have tried the seed pack you speak of and have a few survivors. :-) A lot sprouted, but I forgot to water here and there, so only a few survived, they are about a year old. I will try and post a pic tomorrow.

I used a plastic strawberry box. I lined the bottom with plastic to hold the soil in, and put a hole for drainage, it is a little more work with these, to keep seeds moist, but I like that they offer some air.

My mix was the fines of pearlite, turface, and bark. the leftovers from making gritty mix.

I have a few seedlings right now that are a few months old. Many sprouted, using the mix listed above, but I knocked the container over. :-( several hung on so far.

JoJo