Sandoval at Fresno - Cactus Seed Germination

Eugene Zielinski eez55@earthlink.net
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:40:10 PDT
Karl.
I appreciate the opinion, but this has not worked for me.  In fact, my
failures using "a thin layer of sand" are what led me to investigate the
effect of light on germination.
I used to sow cactus seed the traditional way.  Use a nice inorganic soil
mix, sow the seed on the surface, and just cover with grit.  I used a layer
of silica type grit, just enough so that I couldn't see the seed.  I
watered and placed the pots under fluorescent lights.  The usual result:
low and slow germination, or none at all.  (One species that wouldn't
germinate for me using this procedure was Escobaria minima.  Uncovered,
seed germination was close to 100%.)
I could see where a layer of sand may be useful if sowing the seed
outdoors, under intense light.  I don't think the resultant seedlings would
appreciate the high light levels, though.
Not every cactus species needs light for germination.  However, I will be
looking at the effect of light whenever I sow cactus seed in the future.
OK -- back to bulbs.  (Does Peniocereus greggii count?)

Eugene Zielinski
Prescott Valley, AZ



> [Original Message]
> From: Karl Church <64kkmjr@gmail.com>
> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Date: 6/11/2013 9:13:53 PM
> Subject: Re: [pbs] Sandoval at Fresno - Cactus Seed Germination
>
> Eugene, a light covering of sand (1-2 mm) is considerably different than a
> light proof covering of aluminum foil. You might find sand is quite
> translucent & provides stability to the small seeds.
> Karl
> On Jun 11, 2013 8:22 PM, "Eugene Zielinski" <eez55@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > David, and others.
> > I realize this is a bit off topic, but I want to share something I
learned
> > about cactus seed germination, by experiment.  The smaller globular
cacti,
> > such as Mammillaria, Matucana, Lobivia, Trichocereus, etc. require LIGHT
> > for germination.  Therefore, covering the seed with "a thin layer of
sand"
> > will almost guarantee erratic germination...
>
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