BCSS - Forum

Please can I ask the experienced grower to give advice 're sowing and germinating seeds? My last lot failed to grow or even germinate! Not sure what I did wrong but clearly something! Thanks

I’m very much in the beginners class so these as just my observations. I’ve only sown a smallish selection of haworthia, Gasteria and aloes so again a large pinch of salt on the quality of pointers.

Best genermenation rates — 17-25 degree day temperatures. Cooler nights?
Poor germination results — warmer nights?
Zero germination — consistent temperature day and night.

Keeping the seedlings a litle moist gives better results for me.

Thanks for the pointers I think I will sow them around November time in the propogator with lower temperatures during the night.

Thanks for the pointers I think I will sow them around November time in the propogator with lower temperatures during the night.

I’ve been getting decent germination rates over the last week or so with the latest haworthia society seeds. South east England early autumn. Been around 10 deg c at night. Most of the stuff I’ve read recommends a spring sowing

Good luck with the next sowing

Hope your seed growing was a success a year ago cactusgirl.

Expecting small delivery of mainly gasteria seed any day from the interesting Haworthia Society seed list and now looking for tips myself. I have successfully grown gasteria from seed before but perhaps it was beginners luck at the time.

As the seeds are being distributed now in October, I assume it’s quite okay and perhaps even ideal to sow them ASAP, any thoughts? The seeds come in small numbers so I don’t want to fail.

1. Sow now or later and if so when?
2. Ideal day / night temperatures? The same or up and down, I assume not too hot?
3. Propagator or just window ledge preferred?
4. On top of the soil or pushed in a little, large seeds assumed?

Very pleased with germination of gasteria hybrids from Haworthia Society list. All seven pots germinated well. Baggie method on bright dining room window ledge, with radiator below. So the temperature drops at night. Photograph is about 3 - 4 weeks after sowing.

What's in pot eight?

Please excuse me joining your conversation.
If I read the comments above correctly .... should Haworthia germination be cold at night and around 15 to 25 C in the day?

Not should be. But can be. In general you can sow them when the days and night are still cool. I usually sow them in late March, nice cold nights and moderate warm days in the greenhouse. I don't really go by maximum temperature, as a dark day and a sunny day can cause a huge temperature difference in a greenhouse. The nights are always nice and chilly. That is my standard for knowing when to sow.