With over 3K listings on evil bay for succulent seeds I see fantastic colors and beautiful plants. Has anyone ordered any of these seed packs? Have you had success?
I planted 20 seeds last spring and had a 10% success rate.
You might do better with some of more reputable nurseries. Try Chiltern seed for example. They offer a mix of Sempervivum seed. Don't start the seed until February or March though. There are instructions for seed growing on this site. Most of the seedlings won't be as interesting as the named cultivars but this will help your technique for more valuable seed and plants.
If you live in Portland you should come to our Hybridizers Clinic in April. You will see more semps than you thought possible.
I haven't ordered any sempervivum or other succulent seeds from eBay (not completely confident I would get the correct seeds I ordered) but earlier this year I ordered the 'Sempervivum Mixed Species and Varieties' seed packet fron J.L. Hudson Seedsman. The germination rate was probably near 100% - the seeds were too tiny to count but each flat was covered with little green seedlings. I planted them when the temperatures still dropped into the low 40s at night, and the first batch germinated in 3 days and the rest within a week. Aaaand then we got a dust storm one day when I was gone
The Hybridizers Clinic sounds like a must attend, I'll be thier. Thanks for the planting tips. I think my low germination was because I planted so late, had some hot days and the covered flats may have gotten to warm.
Nope, sadly. We had gotten one of our dust storms, and many things were either knocked over or just about half buried. All the dust and sand just smothered and desiccated the poor little guys.
The dates for the clinic are April 28-29, with the actual class and banquet on the 29th.
Will start making arrangements for the dinner and hotels for those coming further away soon.
Other than the date we don't have any other events planned right now although we are looking into a few activities for Friday for people wanting to purchase plants. I will be starting with the basics this year as most of you did not take the first class. Will also add some new information to keep the veterans entertained.
