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Avatar for KAMasud
Jun 11, 2013 10:54 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Arif Masud
Alpha Centauri (Zone 9a)
I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar Container Gardener Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Multi-Region Gardener
I am not being able to find out how to sow cactus seeds, conditions of potting mix and environmental conditions required. If any one knows of a Link where I can find the knowledge or someone can give it here I would be grateful.
I have perlite, 1/8" gravel, fine sand(granite, silica or limestone), well rotted sterile leaf mulch. very heavy clay of al shades and hue. Can provide humidity in enclosed conditions if required.
Current temps in high 40's Celsius humidity at or less then 40% currently due to pre Monsoon activity and proper Monsoons will start by July 15th with 80 to 100% humidity and daytime temps in the high 30's while night time depending upon rain pattern 25c to 32c. Muggy romantic nights would describe it better.
Thanks,
Arif.
Avatar for KAMasud
Jun 13, 2013 7:29 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Arif Masud
Alpha Centauri (Zone 9a)
I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar Container Gardener Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Multi-Region Gardener
I tip my hat to you. Thank you I will check the links but as an aside I was thinking of using finely ground Perlite, some coir and sharp sand as starting mix. Topped with a layer of leaf mulch all sterilized in a mini green house for humidity. From my soft succulents disaster due to extreme heat I am thinking of sowing them end of August so that they have six months of cool weather to harden off and get ready for 45c.
Would you agree or disagree with above. Honest comment please and not a diplomatic answer I tip my hat to you. .
Regards,
Arif.
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Jun 13, 2013 7:45 PM CST
Name: Mark Mallon
seattle wa
Region: United States of America Region: Pacific Northwest Region: Southwest Gardening
when i did it it was spring and i used a small 6 cell seed tray 1/3rd perlite the rest regular potting soil watered lightly twice a week.
DON'T PANIC
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Jun 13, 2013 7:56 PM CST
Name: Bev
Salem OR (Zone 8a)
Container Gardener Foliage Fan Sempervivums Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Garden Ideas: Master Level
Sounds good to me, Arif and August will be less humidity? Germination to be inside on your window sills where there is light and warmth but not too much heat, right? And different cactus germinate at different rates...?...
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Jun 14, 2013 8:18 AM CST
Name: Jean
Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a)
Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier The WITWIT Badge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Sages
I think as a generalized statement, that should work very well Arif. But, I also think it would be wise to research the needs of each form of cactus you are starting from seed. Different plants have different needs for germination....some grow well scattered on top of the soil, others require the dark beneath the soil. And some require more heat than others to germinate...some ambient and some need direct added heat, just as some seeds need a chilling time to trigger germination. The more you know, the better chances of success. Thumbs up
Avatar for KAMasud
Jun 14, 2013 11:45 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Arif Masud
Alpha Centauri (Zone 9a)
I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar Container Gardener Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Multi-Region Gardener
Good Idea. This packet of seeds is from outsidepride.com . I think I should log in there and eats their heads Thumbs up . The other packet is from myseeds.com . The packets of Semp seeds have no ID Shrug! . Semps Haa.
In Aug. Sept. the daytime temps should be 25c a bit below 80F and night time about 15c about 60F. I do not think they need to come in. Outside in the shade protected should be enough.
As to the mix, Perlite has to be ground down so that the seeds do not get washed in. Sand does not offer much trouble while coir for aeration, drainage and moisture sounds good. A layer of leaf mulch on top for the seeds to sit on while with these micro fine seeds may end up in trouble if I put a layer of anything on top. In order not to disturb the seeds I think I wont squirt but give bottom water, should I put a tray with water underneath? Enclosed clear covered containers for humidity with maybe a hole in the cap for fresh air and release of moisture pressure. While nutrition, huum! the embryo kernel should have enough until they become visible. I do not think giving any kind of fertilizer at this stage sounds good. What ratio Sad does anyone have any idea. 10% coir: 40% sand: 50% Perlite, does that sound all right?
I have this Vermuculite something which stays soggy so not good. Peat is acidic and that also does not sound good. At least these wild euphorbias do not seem to like acidic conditions except for the rain. Funny that rain seems to do no harm but quite a bit of good.
That experiment with Semp seeds in March was not a total failure, at least they taught me something. Peat, I when breeding Tetras used it to acidify the water to a PH of 5.
I am just running the idea in front of you all. Any comments would be appreciated.
Bev Blinking did you do that self portrait?
Regards,
Arif.
Avatar for KAMasud
Jun 15, 2013 5:51 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Arif Masud
Alpha Centauri (Zone 9a)
I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar Container Gardener Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Multi-Region Gardener
Just trying an idea any comments that would help I will be grateful.
Pumice. I cannot lay my hands on pumice. Can I use ground fine broken terracotta pots? It should not be soluble plus should retain moisture. Can I substitute that for pumice? Got a pile of broken terracotta pots that can be utilised for constructive purposes.
Thanks,
Arif.
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