tripp'n Posted May 1, 2002 Hi all, What would be the best mix for germinating Ephedra?, Should i use cacti mix or just go with a seedraising mix. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted May 1, 2002 And the answer is... Coarse Sharp Sand It is, it really is... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest reville Posted May 1, 2002 I soak till they split then plant out individually into a rough mix. I find CSS dries out too quickly or compacts and gets all green and rank from algae. I like the CSS,seed raising mix,vermiculite,pinch perlite mix. It seems (for me) to keep its moisture and drainage longer than CSS alone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted May 1, 2002 Originally posted by reville: I find CSS dries out too quickly or compacts and gets all green and rank from algae. Seed does not need any nutrients as it has plenty of storage. The scum develops from nutrients. Always sow seed of similar germinating times in the same tray and start feeding when the majority have popped up. Use clean rainwater up to that time. You will get no scum problems this way. I like the CSS,seed raising mix,vermiculite,pinch perlite mix. It seems (for me) to keep its moisture and drainage longer than CSS alone. For such dry climates as yours, a little bit of vermiculite in the CSS is probably a good idea anyway. Probably best to just work some into the upper surface layer as the bottom stays quite wet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
somnif Posted May 2, 2002 I have been succesful with getting eph.sin. to germiniate but inevitably I have been getting it to about 2cm high and it stops growing and dies. Initially I though it was due to too much water, or lack of nutrition (I was growing in sand) so next time around I made an effort to minimise watering, and also added a 1 part potting mix to 5 parts sand - result, the same. Is there something I should be doing at this point such as transplanting or adding a food source? These babies were also left out in the (Melbourne) summer sun - could this be a factor? [This message has been edited by somnif (edited 02 May 2002).] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablo Posted May 2, 2002 i've tried a few different mixes, sand, cactus mix ect. highest and quickest germination rates i've had have been with moist verimulite (!!!). after they've grown a few cm i transplant. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites