Worsleya procera

[Anthony Darby]

Has anyone any experience of growing this wonderful plant from seed? I have two seeds germinating, floating in a glass dish of water. Another six haven't sprouted yet.

[Maggi Young]

From previous discussions in the forum it seems that some get 100% germination with worsleya seed -

www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=269.0   and    http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=821.0    -
where it has been stated that success was found by sowing in pumice and also that seed (from some clones?) appears less than fertile.

 The super  PBS ( http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Worsleya )   suggests the soaking in water method that was also mooted in the forum :

"To grow from seeds, either float the seeds in water or sow them directly under a thin layer of the medium. Daryl Geoghegan uses 80% spent orchid bark (1/2" size) and 20% white sand. He leaves the plant in a breezy location and waters them daily. Germination takes about 3-10 weeks at 18-24 °C. "



 Have you tried dancing in the moonlight? 

[brianw]

Not had any problem germinating good seed. It is growing them on etc. that I had difficulty with. Extremely good drainage is imperative. 50-100% germination was normal for the batches I had in the distant past. Never tried flotation. Don't really see the point. I have just lost my last bulb after ~10 years growing. Would have been nice to see a flower. Think I am too old to try again, unless someone has some free seed. ;-)

[johnralphcarpenter]

There is a Facebook group dedicated to this species - I just got some seed from there.

[Anthony Darby]

The flotation method works. Seeds need moisture and light to germinate, so it's either that, or on the surface of, or pointy end stuck into compost which may or may not be moist enough. I saw Bill Dijk germinating seeds by floating and it is the favoured method in articles I've read. You can see the instant the seed has germinated and watch the root grow long enough to move it on.

[Steve Garvie]

Does anyone know of a source of seed or small bulbs of this species in the UK or Europe?

[Maggi Young]

I think there may be some suggestions in previous threads, Steve - try a search.

[Anthony Darby]

Here, but they are pricey: http://www.ebay.com/itm/351414631793?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

[Steve Garvie]

Thanks Anthony.
As you say a tad pricey but it looks like a seller's market currently.

[johnralphcarpenter]

The flotation method works.

It does!

[johnralphcarpenter]

Those seeds are now in pots of gritty substrate and are growing away.

[Rogan]

I was devastated when an Amaryllis caterpillar burrowed down and destroyed my Worsleya bulb from the inside. Fearing all was lost, my plant has rebounded and, six months later, Worsley has turned into a Worsleya "bush" of ten new shoots! Luckily, there is no Amaryllis caterpillar where I live now... 

[Maggi Young]

Wow! And what's the betting that, had the bulb munching not happened, that you would still only have the one shoot?   Every cloud, as they say..... !

[Rogan]

A windfall indeed Maggi, but I may not live to see it flower! 

[Maggi Young]

Then I must hope that you  "live long and prosper", Rogan!