2012 list
Updated 5 November 2011
The Plantsman's Pocket is a more formal name for the seed offerings of a horticultural ally with very diverse plant interests. Ordering information is on the How to Order link on the main page.
Seeds offered in this section are $4.50 per packet.
Albuca spiralis – Hyacinthaceae. This winter growing South African bulb has narrow, smooth, glistening leaves that spiral tightly like corkscrews. Common names range from ringlet plant to “finger in an electric socket plant.” In spring inflorescences are produced one after another until water is withheld. The inch long yellowish-green flowers are reminiscent of lanterns and produce an intense, sweet, vanilla-like fragrance late in the day. Although stocks in cultivation vary, in these source plants the tangle of tightly spiraled leaves grow to about 8” high and inflorescences up to 12”. Bulbs proliferate slowly by dichotomizing growing points. Two individuals needed for seed set. Z9-11, 20 seeds per packet
Allocasuarina torulosa - Casuarinaceae. An upright tree to 25’ with deeply fissured corky bark and very fine textured foliage with a purplish plum cast deepening in winter. Male trees have rusty tips during summer flowering while females bear dispersed clusters of small, white to pale pink, flowers that produce small, dry, cone-like fruits remaining on the tree. Will re-sprout in a multi-trunk form if cut to the ground. Can be damaged by temperatures of about 20 deg. F (zone 9) but regenerates rapidly from the base the next season. Tolerates drought, but looks best with average garden watering. Roots form a nitrogen fixing symbiosis with bacteria of the genus Frankia. Seedlings may require extra feeding until bacterial acquisition. Plant in spring. 15 seeds per packet.
Alstroemeria aurantiaca - Alstroemeriaceae, Chile. Herbaceous perennial 2-3' tall and spreading slowly underground. Evergreen or with a short fall dormancy. Large yellow to orange flowers with chocolate penciling are excellent for cutting. Bright shade to full sun. Reduced watering curbs invasiveness. Soak seed in warm water 3 days, changing water once daily. Cover seeds and keep at 70-86 deg. F 3 wks. then move to 35-42 deg. F for 4 weeks. Move to 65-74 deg. F to complete treatment. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10. 10 seeds per packetBeschorneria albiflora - Agavaceae, S. Mexico, trunk forming monocot. This is the only species of the genus, (close relatives to Agave) that forms a trunk. In time it can exceed 6’. The dense rosettes of soft textured (user friendly), avocado green leaves are 2.5 to 3’ across. The inflorescences can be 5’ in length and 4’ across. The stalk and side branches turn vivid red and maintain the color for months. The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds, mature over a 2 month period, and are cream or chartreuse flushed with salmon pink. Although most species are from dry woodlands and appreciate a bit of shade, this one thrives in light shade to full sun in coastal CA. Sow the seeds in late spring with warm weather. Plants survived 16 deg. F. without damage in the 1990 freeze. 30 seeds
Bessera elegans, Themidaceae. From southwestern Mexico this summer growing geophyte has long, slender, fleshy leaves with pink feet, and umbels of exquisite, parasol-like flowers raised 18 in. to 2 ft. high on wiry stems. Coloring ranges from bright orange-red to magenta-purple with paired cream patches separated by a dark line on each petal. Prominent pollen masses may be yellow, green, or blue. The corms must be kept completely dry in winter and until emergence of foliage in warm weather when generous watering and feeding soon brings a spectacular reward. Seed offered is from a large flowered red form with a magenta form in its background, so future generations may show a wide color range. 2 to 3 years from seed to flowering. 8 seeds per packetBomarea distichifolia - Alstroemeriaceae. A small statured (to 18 inches) non-climbing species with elegantly spiraled, dark stems in juvenile plants, later with arching stems terminating in a small umbel of orange flowers with blue pollen. The handsome leaves are glaucous beneath. Fruits are freely produced (in the presence of hummingbirds) almost spherical, and bright yellow orange. Responds well to fertilizer and regular watering in bright shade. Although from wet areas in Ecuadorian cloud forest, surprisingly tolerant of reduced watering, as well as deep shade, and root competition. Germination may be slow, but is reliable. 10 seeds per packet
Bomarea salsilla - Alstroemeriaceae, Chile. Herbaceous climber. This small twining vine to 4' comes from the Mediterranean zone of south central Chile where it grows during the winter and spring, flowering heavily in mid spring. The flowers are about an inch long and open wider than many Bomarea species. They are deep pink with blue and black markings on the inside. After flowering, plants rapidly enter dormancy, and need no water again until fall. They may be kept green longer with supplemental watering. Hardy to 25 degrees F. 20 seeds
Bomarea cf. superba Alstroemeriaceae, South America. A large herbaceous perennial twining vine to 20 feet bearing umbels, each eventually with over 100 pendant 2-3 inch flowers of pure golden-yellow or with a few red flecks in the throat. Umbels borne terminally in summer on current season’s growth. Magnificent displays look like the 4th of July in large trees. Cold hardy to USDA 9b, but perhaps can take more cold as rhizomes and root storage organs are underground. Seeds slow to germinate, but seedlings develop quickly with regular feeding. Separate early into individual pots as this becomes difficult if delayed. 8 seeds per packetBrighamia rockii – Campanulaceae, Hawaii. Similar to its better known sister species, B. insignis. Rare in nature and in cultivation with low seed set, this long-lived perennial from Molokai, Hawaii has a beautiful taper to its long succulent trunk reaching heights of 3--rarely to 15--feet, topped by a rosette of pale green, oval leaves. Will branch occasionally, or if apex damaged. Flowers are produced on short stems from the upper trunk and rosette. The flowers themselves are 5 inches or more long, white with reflexed lobes, and exquisitely fragrant. This plant is best in a cool greenhouse as a pot specimen. Although the succulent stem is reputed to afford some tolerance of drying, growth is best if the plant is kept evenly moist when active in spring, summer, and fall, with some water restriction in winter. Responds well to regular feeding. Sow on or close to the surface using a seed mix with added sand, pumice, and peat. Usually germinates at a high rate spread over several weeks. Begin with dilute fertilization as first true leaves expand. Cold hardiness unknown. Limited, horticulturally produced seed, approx. 8 per packet. Dioscorea sylvatica - Dioscoreaceae, Eastern South Africa, Drakensberg. A summer
growing/winter dormant perennial herbaceous vine that rapidly forms a
fascinating corky caudex. This species, close to the classic elephant's foot
plant, grows much faster and is more cold hardy, probably tolerating hard
frosts. Young plants sometimes skip dormancy in Fenestraria
aurantiaca
(= F. rhopalophylla var. aurantiaca) Native to Namaqualand and the Namib
in Southern Africa, this intriguing small leaf succulent is called “Baby’s
Toes” for its clusters of succulent leaves with blunt, windowed tips. The
relatively large flowers (3” across on 4” plants) range from white to deep
yellow. Vulnerable to rotting with excess moisture at all stages, so, although
a winter grower in the wild, it is best to withhold water during wet seasons
and humid conditions. Use a rocky mix, and tall clay pots. Cold hardy to about
30 deg. F. Some report survival through significantly lower temperatures (kept
dry) but plants are vulnerable to scarring. 12 seeds per packet. Gladiolus
flanaganii -
Iridaceae. The famous (infamous?) suicide glad produces 2”, rich blood red
flowers with white linear markings in the throat on arching spikes above gray-green
foliage. It is so named because it is usually seen from a distance in inaccessible
locations midway along steep waterfalls and cliffs high in the Drakensberg of
Eastern S. Africa. Summer growing. Apparently hardy to USDA zone 8a (10 deg.
F). Needs good air circulation and consistent watering for best flowering. Easy
to germinate and grow. 8 seeds per packet. Liparia (formerly Priestleya)
tomentosa - Fabaceae. This spare, upright, South African shrub
has lustrous, silvery white, pointed, 1” leaves covered in dense silky hairs.
The leaves wrap the stems in tight spirals and are somewhat imbricate at the
growing tips. Many species in this Cape fynbos endemic genus have exquisite
imbricate foliage harvested from the wild for use in floristry. This is one of
the easiest of a generally difficult group. Seed germinates with smoke
treatment, and initially seedlings grow well in a low phosphate, acid soil mix,
but they need nodulating Rhizobium bacteria in order to progress.
Feeding with Dr. Green Chelated Iron (5-0-0) helps get seedlings through Rhizobium
acquisition. Plants reach 3” in 2-3 years and begin producing bright yellow
pompoms of pea flowers. Limited -8 seeds per packet. Nepenthes ventricosa - Nepenthaceae. A beautiful
highland Philippine species of Old World
pitcher plant that can be grown in a cool greenhouse, in the home, or outside
along the California coast. It is considered one of
the easiest species to grow, suitable for the beginner. The red pitchers in
mature plants have a pronounced waist, or hour glass shape and a deeper red peristome.
Germination may take a month or longer. The sooner sown, the quicker the
germination and the more vigorous the seedlings. Sowing upon receipt
recommended. Seedlings begin bearing tiny pitchers with the first true leaves.
Initial growth is slow with each new leaf bearing a slightly larger pitcher.
Sow the seeds well spaced on a surface of damp chopped sphagnum moss that has
been placed over a pre-moistened, free draining, acid mix such as one part
each: sand, peat, 1/4 in. fir bark, and pumice (or perlite). Keep the mix
uniformly moist and cover the seed pan with clear plastic to raise humidity
until the seedlings begin producing their first true leaf. At that point
gradually remove the plastic. Feed young plants lightly once or twice in summer
with nothing stronger than fish emulsion. Hardy to 35 deg. F. Fresh seed, 30
per packet. Nivenia corymbosa - Iridaceae, South Africa.
One of the winter-growing woody irids that grow into true woody shrubs and
produce hundreds of gentian blue flowers in the heat of summer. The more sun,
the more flowers. This is the easiest species to grow and large container
plants in full sun will flower from June to November. Grow in a well drained
sandy mix with peat. Seed should be sown in fall or winter (in coastal California) and may take a month to six
weeks to germinate. 20 seeds Petronymphe
decora -Themidaceae
(Anthericaceae) Extremely rare Mexican bulb related to Bessera. Atop 8
to 18” stalks, drooping umbels 4” across bear gracefully pendant, tubular,
yellow green flowers with faint vertical striping 2.5” in length. Probably
pollinated by hawk moths. Leaves are shiny green and fleshy. Summer growing and
flowering, winter dormant. Provide good drainage, plenty of water and regular
fertilizer in summer. Keep completely dry in winter. Sow seeds with warm
weather. Germination can be slow and may be erratic over a 3 month period.
10 seeds per packet Puya
venusta - Bromeliaceae,
One of the smaller Chilean species with silvery rosettes of spiny leaves 1 to
1.5’ across and 1’ tall. In fertile soils many tightly appressed rosettes
develop and plants slowly become quite broad. Inflorescences are from 2 to 3’
above the foliage, branched or not, with club like masses of pink bracts and
deep blue flowers. Hummingbird pollinated. Source plant is an initially
spineless seedling with greatly reduced numbers of spines as an adult. Since
self incompatible, the pollen parent had the normal, vicious leaves, but
eventual crosses between progeny, or back crosses to source plant might one day
yield a spineless puya! Original seed collected in Zapallar, Chile. Easy from seed, 25 per packet. Semele
androgyna – Ruscaceae.
Climbing butcher’s broom, or gibalbera, from Madeira and the Canary Isles is known for its elegant, shining, pinnately
arranged, leaf-like phylloclades that make beautiful cut foliage for flower
arrangements. This plant requires no summer water once established. Two to
three robust twining stems emerge like asparagus shoots each spring and spiral
more than 15’ up into trees or around a pole, extending numerous, gracefully
arching lateral branches. In mature plants distal branches bear phylloclades
edged in small cream flowers that produce large red berries in summer. More
berries are produced with two individuals present. Sow seeds in fall.
Germination may be slow, but is reliable. Growth is slow for the first 2-3
years and then quickens. Plants were undamaged at 16 deg. F. in the 1990
freeze. 10 seeds per packet. Sinningia
douglasii – Gesneriaceae.
Epiphytic perennial from Brazil
holds medium red-orange flowers over dark green leaves. This and the following
entry from seed shared by a hummingbird expert from Louisiana. She reports “late last winter
and into spring, the plant was absolutely spectacular. It enjoyed considerable
attention from the hummingbirds…..” Z10? Sinningia
sellovii – Gerneriaceae.
South American perennial known as the hardy red gloxinia. Leaves have a stiff
quilted texture. It “produces dusty pink flowers through some branches on the
pink-flowered plants will produce butter yellow flowers” and there is much
interest from hummingbirds. Both species are good container plants. Z8 Solandra
sp. – Solanaceae.
This is a “big boned” scandent plant originating from Costa Rican cloud forest
(Braulio Carillo) above 2000 m that produces hundreds of large “cup of gold”
flowers all summer in a bright situation. The handsome foliage with purplish
petioles and veins may be more cold hardy than species already in cultivation
as it continues to grow through SF Bay area winters and has yet to show
significant leaf drop. Best sown in late spring. 6-8 seeds per packet. Sophora
microphylla
- Fabaceae. A slow growing, fine textured, small, semi-deciduous tree to about
25’ with pinnate leaves and elegant divaricating shoots in juvenile plants. Full
sun to bright shade. Native to both New Zealand and Southern Chile. Seeds
sold here originate from a Chilean specimen. Seedlings remain juvenile for 5 to
10 years when bright gold, pendant, 1.5” pea flowers begin to appear in spring
just after the leaves drop, covering the trees before foliage is renewed. Long
pendant pods like chains of beads follow and remain on the trees until fall.
10 seeds Wachendorfia
thyrsiflora
- Haemodoraceae. The source plant for this seed derives from a more attractive,
high elevation Langeberg form of W. thrysiflora with glaucous leaves and
large flowers with exceptional central “eye” markings. As in the usual form,
individual plants are either left or right “handed.” The flowers bear styles
bent in a right angle either to the left or to the right to take up the
position of an anther in the oppositely arranged form. Needs cool, wet growing
conditions. Limited -8 seeds per packet.
mild climates. The vine, bearing glossy heart-shaped leaves, can twine 15’ up
into trees or on a trellis. Male plants bear small spikes of yellow, fragrant
flowers. Female plants produce spikes of papery, three-winged fruit. The caudex
is low and broad, widening by growth at its periphery. The surface is covered
with tubercles of dark cork. It is possible to raise the caudex gradually with
each repotting to produce interesting forms. In the ground the caudex may reach
2’ across in 4 years and must be shaded from direct sun. Sow seed in spring. 25
seeds
Centropogon erythraeus - Lobeliaceae (Campanulaceae), Ecuador. Shrubby perennial 3'+ with striking, magenta-brown, fuzzy leaves and stems from high Andean forest from 6,000 to 9,000'. It is extremely rare in the wild, but in limited cultivation since 1994. Flowers are close to 2" long, dull rusty red with paler tips, borne briefly late spring and early summer after which basal renewal growth begins. Grow in rich acid soil and feed regularly to encourage luxuriant foliage. Seeds are extremely fine. Surface sow on damp, fine textured, acid medium and cover with glass, or place seed pan in a plastic bag and acclimate gradually. Cold hardiness untested, but has survived brief periods below 32 deg. F without damage.
Dierama erectum - Iridaceae, E South Africa. This species, endangered in the wild, is the only member of the genus with erect flowers, showing attractive nectar guide markings in the throat. The branched inflorescence is about 4' tall with exceptionally dense clusters of pink to lavender flowers. Sow at any season. Water year round. 8 seeds per packet
Dilatris pillansii - Haemodoraceae, South Africa. Herbaceous perennial to 18" in height and width with fans of deep green, narrow 8" leaves tinged orange toward the base. The long lasting, intricately branched inflorescences are produced freely and each bears hundreds of fuzzy, mauve flowers about an inch across. As the flowers age they may develop a soft orange tinge. This is the easiest species to germinate and grow. Individual plants will eventually bear many inflorescences. Treat seeds with smoke extract (included) and sow in fall. 10 seeds per packet.
Dilatris viscosa - Haemodoraceae, South Africa. Herbaceous perennial to 2' in height and width. This is by far the most beautiful species with fans of gray-green leaves to 1', tinged orange toward the base, producing exquisite inflorescences bearing hundreds of star-like, yellow and tangerine flowers. More difficult to germinate than the previous species and leaves can be discolored by a hypersensitivity response to fungi as in Anigozanthos. (Cut discolored leaves promptly as new growth appears.) Treat seeds with smoke extract (included) and sow in fall. 8 seeds per packet.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum - Drosophyllaceae, western Mediterranean. The Dewey pine is a perennial carnivorous plant that looks like a very large sundew, with long, curled, linear leaves that unfurl to about 8" and are covered with glistening glands. A slender stem is produced to 12" or more. Old leaves turn silvery and bend downward helping prop up the stem. Large yellow flowers are produced that usually set seed without hand pollination. Sow seeds in a quick-draining mix of 1:1:1 sand: pumice (or lava rock): peat in the fall. Seeds should be close to the surface. Since plants are sensitive to root disturbance, either start in large (10") clay pots, or in small peat pots for later transfer to larger clay pots without disturbance. Best outdoors in full sun. Best sown in fall. 6 seeds per packet.
Erica glauca var elegans & var elegans 'Alba' - Ericaceae, W South Africa. One of the most beautiful Erica species with conifer-like, glaucous foliage. Flowers have petaloid calyces and are borne in clusters surrounded by petal-like bracts. Erica glauca var. elegans flowers and bracts are pale magenta pink and 'Alba' is the rare pure white form. Slow growing to 3 or 4’ tall and wide. Seeds offered from both forms. Treat with smoke extract (included) and sow in fall. Use a sandy, acid mix and cover with plastic until several true leaves appear. 12 seeds per packet.
Medinilla cummingii – Melastomataceae. Native to mountain forests of Indonesia, this small woody shrub makes a dramatic house plant and may be grown out of doors with protection in coastal California. Large leaves up to 8" long and 6" wide have heavy substance and prominent veins. Numerous small pink flowers are borne on pink stems in large, long lasting, pendant panicles. Fruits begin pink and slowly turn dark blue when ripe. Germination prompt. The fine seed may be treated as in Rhododendron. Use a fine, free draining acid mix to start. As plants grow, transfer to a coarser, fir bark based mix and feed regularly. 25 seeds per packet
Medinilla sp. - Melastomataceae, Madagascar. An unidentified cauliflorous species with masses of magenta pink flowers on thickened basal stems and lower nodes. Fruit are magenta-orange. The foliage is thick and leathery with prominent veins and a pinkish cast. Roots are succulent. Plants begin flowering at 6" and eventually reach 2'. Grow as described above. 15 seeds
Sinningia insularis – Gesneriaceae, Brazil. Many clusters of orange-red flowers are displayed over dark green leaves on this easy, prolific species. Tubers get substantial.
Sinningia lineata - Gesneriaceae, Brazil. Slower to develop than some species, tubers get good size with time. Orange red flowers are carried over paired large leaves.