Phragmipedium seed germination

[Ernesto]

I finally got my sterile technique down and recently sowed my first Phrag seeds from the following crosses on P668 and coconut water:

(schlimii x manzurii) x self

longifolium var. album x pearcei

pearcei x longifolium var. album


I have a few questions regarding germination. When can I expect seeds to germinate? Do Phrags require a dark period? And do they have a preferred temperature range? The schlimii x manzurii selfing seedpod was harvested early May, was sown 5/13/22 and still hasn’t done anything. Meanwhile my Neofinetia falcata flask sown 4/19/22 is now producing protocorms.

I recently moved all my flasks to my apartment where it is much warmer and brighter, which I’m hoping helps get things moving!

 

[Phrag-Plus]

Depending on the species and the cross, some time they are fast and started to sprout within a month but usually take 2 to 3 months in my growing conditions. But in some case I had surprises after 9 moths with the long petals ones and because of that I’m always keeping the mother flask for a year before discarding them, just in case… No! Phragmipediums don’t need dark period to sprout. I’m keeping my growing chamber on 12 hours light/ day and I’m keeping the room between 21 to 25°C with good results. I’m not pushing their growing cycle… Hope it help! Good luck!

 

[NYEric]

Good tips from one of the World's best Phrag hybridizers!!

 

[Ernesto]

Depending on the species and the cross, some time they are fast and started to sprout within a month but usually take 2 to 3 months in my growing conditions. But in some case I had surprises after 9 moths with the long petals ones and because of that I’m always keeping the mother flask for a year before discarding them, just in case… No! Phragmipediums don’t need dark period to sprout. I’m keeping my growing chamber on 12 hours light/ day and I’m keeping the room between 21 to 25°C with good results. I’m not pushing their growing cycle… Hope it help! Good luck!

Thank you for thoughtful and thorough your response! I’ll hold onto these flasks for awhile then.