I've got a couple of dozen seeds from South Africa with growing instructions etc., but has anyone had first hand experience of cultivating these in the UK?
2007-02-12 03:37:39 · 3 answers · asked by Secret Monitor 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Hello there,
Yes, i have had lots of experience with Protea. I find it a difficult and awkward plant to grow from seed and prefer taking semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
My germination rate for Protea is about 30% (sad!) and that's an improvement on past years!
The only points i can make are - Use an ericaceous compost, give them lots of fresh air and be patient! Good luck, x
2007-02-15 06:13:54 · answer #1 · answered by Riskyt69 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've seen them in Conwall, where they need good winter protection. Their germination should be fine, though knowing which species you've got would narrow it down.
The seeds benefit from 'smoke' treatment as they would normally grow after fires in their natural home.
Fluctuation of day and night temperatures helps too.
They dislike root disturbance. I'd probably grow in a perlite-sand-peat mix, from germination onwards. Perlite is great as it aerates and holds moisture.
They are gonna need plenty of sun and wamth. If you started now, guessing germination in a month (end of March) and greenhouse growing this summer, you should have a small 6'' plant this year.
Helping through a winter is vital. Permanently indoors for a few years would be better.
Good luck! Rob
2007-02-12 03:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by Rob E 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
this plant is originally from South Africa and thrives in Australia and Hawaii. you would need a hot house and all the luck in the world
cheers
2007-02-12 17:52:12 · answer #3 · answered by Val K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋