Dyckia

FREE postage to U.S. customers only. All International customers please add $10.00 to cover airmail postage costs per order. You can find the postage 'add to cart' on the Seeds main page.

All Dyckia seed is freshly collected this spring and summer unless otherwise noted in the details. All were open pollinated so I cannot guarantee purity and most likely they will be hybrids. Regardless you should get some beauties!

How to sow: Use any size container you want but it is best to use something on the shallow side 2-4" deep. Fill with regular potting soil mixed with sand. I add some granular fungicide but it is not essential. Once filled, set the container in a dish of water until the soil soaks up water and is completely wet, remove and let drain. Sow seed on the surface and do not cover with soil. Set the pot inside a zipper type clear plastic bag, blow air inside then seal. Set the bag in bright light but no direct sunlight as the bag acts like a miniature greenhouse keeping humidity high. Keep an eye on the bag and if you see excess moisture running down the sides, open the bag a bit for several hours to let some of the humidity out then reseal. After most of the seed has sprouted you can then open the bag a little bit each week until the seedlings have at least 2 true leaves and appear rooted in the soil. Some seedlings will let their roots trail across the soil surface and you can use a dull pencil or something similar to tamp them gently beneath the soil.

Important: Never water your seeds and new seedlings from the top as this will disturb them and reduce your success. Set the pot into water and let it soak up from the bottom. Once the seedlings have at least two or more sets of leaves it is usually safe to re-pot them and water from the top. If you notice white fungus growing on the surface gently spray with Captan or other fungicide. Organically you can make Chamomile tea and use the tea for watering as it is a natural fungicide.

Tip: I use either clear or opaque white plastic containers for my seedlings such as those that produce comes in, some margarine, or the little dog food containers like Nature's Recipe, etc. That way I can see the soil from the side and know when to water and how much. Some containers have lids so you won't need the bag, just lay the lid on top, don't seal it. You can also use Seran wrap. If your container doesn't already have holes, poke some in the bottom and along the sides for drainage and aeration.

Dyckia seed usually sprout fairly quickly, from 3-10 days, sometimes longer, so don't give up to quick. After sprouting it seems like forever before they get big enough to transplant. Feed them with a half strength fertilizer once a week to promote growth and health.

Do not let seedlings dry out but also do not keep them soggy. Just damp is perfect. Also, watch for spider mites and if you see any spray them lightly with Raid Flying Insect Killer, nothing stronger.

Once transplanted into individual pots it still may take a while and your seedling may look like a common green but just be patient. Once well established and able to take more sunlight your seedling will start taking on characteristics of what it will be as an adult. Most end up ordinary and nothing special I hate to say so just give them away or plant in the garden. But, with patience you will find that diamond in the rough and possibly produce the next most gorgeous plant! I give my babies at least two years before I decide if they are keepers or not.

I hope this helps and if you have any other methods and tips please feel free to share them with me.

HAPPY GARDENING!