Expert: Christopher Littrell - 4/7/2009

Question
Hello Christopher,

I have a few questions about my Sarracenia plants (a purpurea, and a 'Judith
Hindle').  For the past two or so months, they were in a North window but are
now in an East window, but I want to move them outside.  How should I do
this and what temps should I look for?  I live in zone 6a and the weather has
been somewhat unpredictable lately.  One day it will snow and the next day
be in the high 70s.  

Also, I have about 50 S. Oreophila seeds stratifying right now, is 3-4 weeks
OK?  Should I germinate them outside or in my windowsill?

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my questions,

Mike

Answer
Hello Michael,

Since the plants have been inside, they might not be ready for freezing weather. I would keep them in the east window until your sure the worst of the cold is over with and then place them outside after the temperatures are predominately over 60 degrees.

The best bet would be to continue stratifying your seeds for another 4 or so weeks in cold damp conditions. Anything less would see a reduced yield in seed germination. Wherever the weather provides winter cold and dampness would be best for your seeds to be stratified in. If the weather is so unpredictable, you can try them in the refrigerator or in an ice chest with several frozen water bottles. I prefer the ice chest even though its more work replacing water bottles every 12 hours as I can ensure less chance of mold killing the seeds by keeping the ice chest open by day in a window and closed by night to lower the temperature down to the 40s.

I have a nice set of 14 month old Sarracenias from a bunch of seedlings I stratified with the ice chest method. The refrigerator method provides conditions that increase the chances of mold occurring.

Christopher