2008 list

Updated 27 January 2008

Seeds offered in this section are $4.50 per packet.

If fresh seed is not available, interested persons can request notification by email when a new crop is available.

Perishable seed – these seeds are stored carefully and sent moist. They must be planted immediately. There may be some delay in shipping perishable seed, and it may be shipped separate from your order, according to availability.

Haemanthus coccineus- Amaryllidaceae. Winter growing bulb, summer flowering without leaves. Two or three large, tongue-like leaves emerge in fall. In full sun, leaves tend to lie flat and are short and broad (18 in long by 6-8 in. wide). In shade, leaves are longer and narrower and held up higher, showing irregular reddish brown banding near bases. Inflorescences usually emerge in August, well after leaves are gone, with 6 to 12 in stalks marked like the leaf bases, bearing a skirt of red bracts around a "shaving brush" of salmon-red flowers with bright yellow pollen. Seeds offered are from a self fertile, clumping form that develops large colonies over time. Do not allow seeds to dry, sow immediately. 4 seeds per packet

Lapageria rosea, the beautiful national flower of Chile, comes in a variety of colors from deep red through purest white. The white form is much sought after and a limited number of seeds offered here were produced by crossing two white forms to yield crops of plants bearing white flowers. Also offered are seeds that will yield mixed colors. Lapageria seeds become difficult to germinate if allowed to dry, so these seeds are fresh and will arrive damp and ready to sow. If you must store, keep them damp and refrigerated. Seedling development is slow, so patience is required. Typically no seedlings bloom before 3 years of age and many will take longer. Good snail control is a must. An excellent growing mix is American Soil Products Rhododendron blend cut with ¼ in. fir bark and pumice. Hardy to at least 16 deg F, probably colder. Please specify mixed colors or pure white when you order. 8 seeds per packet No seeds available at present; inquire by email for next harvest

Scadoxus nutans  - Amaryllidaceae, Africa. One of the rarest species of the genus, once thought extinct, but very easy to grow. Small (to 1 ft.) herbaceous plants with thickened rhizomes and clusters of pale green, fleshy leaves. Leaf bases are stippled with red spots. Watch for the fascinating inflorescences emerging from the base with thick spotted stems and a brush of salmon pink flowers that all hang straight down. Briefly goes dormant from time to time, but may be watered year round and can flower several times each year (with or without leaves) developing clusters of bright orange seeds. This plant makes an excellent and tough house plant, flowering well indoors. Grow outdoors with protection. Seeds should not dry out, sow upon receipt by placing on top of a coarse, free draining soil mix. If you must store, surface sterilize and refrigerate moist. Flowers in 2 to 3 years from seed. Pkts. contain 6 seeds. Fresh harvest January 2008, seeds currently available.