Newsgroups: alt.drugs From: rcain@netcom.com (Robert Cain) Subject: Re: cactii Message-ID: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1993 16:01:40 GMT 25u7gardinie@vms.csd.mu.edu wrote: : I am planning on growing some cactii soon and was wondering if anyone : out in this virtual land has any experience with growing cactus from : seed. If anyone does and would like to post any comments or suggestions : they would be greatly appreciated. I regretably have little experience : in growing things of this nature and would like to have the best chance : for success the first time out. If you would rather e-mail me info that : would be fine. I would even appreciate some advice on books which would : give me the info I am seeking. Once again thanks in advance. I have 26 little T. peruvianus that I germinated from 100 seeds from ... of the jungle. It was quite easy. As a germination bed I used commercial cactus mix in a 3/8" layer on the bottom of a pie plate that I could seal with saran wrap. Moisten, apply a half recommended solution of Ortho Multi-Purpose Frungacide, DACONIL 2787, with a spray bottle. This need be done once but needs be done. I lost seeds and seedlings until I did this and my germination ratio would have been much higher. Sprinkle seeds on wet bed and seal with saran. Open once a day to air out. Sprouting will occur within a couple of weeks. They seem to have a remarkably difficult time getting their tap root into the ground but don't worry, it happens. They will reach 1/2" in three months or so. I transplanted half into separate containers at that point and left half in the germinating bed for a total of eight months. Interestingly the ones left in the germinating bed grew taller and thinner and overall slightly larger while the transplanted ones gained more girth. I just transplanted the remainder and moved them outside at about seven months and the heavy duty noon day CA sun gave them a pretty serious sunburn, they were turning purple, I moved to partial shade and they are recovering nicely. I have no idea how long it will take until sufficient maturity but the fall should tell something. These little cuties are perfectly legal (as cactii.) Peace, Bob -- Bob Cain rcain@netcom.com 408-358-2007 "I used to be different. But now I'm the same." --------------PGP 1.0 or 2.0 public key available on request.------------------