). Here are some of my trials in no particular order:
Ferocactus wislizeni - Planted 11/25/15, Shown 01/17/16
These seeds were harvested myself and planted within 1 month of harvest. I had very little success with 2 seedlings out of ~30-40 seeds. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered cup method, window sill. First germination at ~14 days. I am thinking I will try scarification on the next batch. I've heard heat (~85-90°F)helps these as well?
Hesperaloe pariflora - Planted 11/15/15, Shown 01/17/16
These seeds were harvested myself and planted 1-1.5 years after harvest. ~50% germination rate, desert sand medium, covered cup method, window sill. First germination in ~3-4 days.
Pachypodium lamerii - Planted , Shown 01/17/16
Age/origin of seed unknown. ~10% germination rate (dismal). Fast draining, organic/pearlite mix (my Adenium mix that works great), covered cup method, covered at ~0.25-0.5" depth, under grow lights, seeds soaked for 24 hours before planting. I dug up a few of the seeds and found that they had rotted or never sprouted in the first place. I will try treating the seeds for mold prior to planting on the next batch. I will also try a more sandy media with less organic material.
Aloe longistyla - Planted , Shown 01/17/16
Fresh 2015 harvested seed. ~75% germination rate, but only ~50% are thriving. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered cup method, window sill. First up in ~5 days. Very fast to grow with a sharp leveling off after ~30 days.
Cereus peruvianus v. monstrous - Planted , Shown 01/17/16
These seeds were harvested myself from a plant with very neat form and planted within 1 month of harvest. First up in 2 days (!). ~95-100% germination. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered cup method, window sill. Very fast to grow.
Agave toumayana bella - Planted 01/03/16, Shown 01/17/16
Fresh 2015 harvested seed. ~80% germination rate, desert sand medium, covered cup method, grow light. First germination in ~3-4 days.
Aloe marlothii - Planted 01/03/16, Shown 01/17/16
Fresh 2015 harvested seed. ~50% germination rate, desert sand medium, covered cup method, grow light. First germination in ~5 days.
Echinocactus grusonii - Planted 11/25/15, Shown 01/17/16
These seeds were harvested myself and planted within 1 month of harvest. I had very little success with 6 seedlings out of ~25 seeds. Desert sand, covered cup method, window sill. First germination at ~14 days. I am thinking I will try scarification on the next batch.
Pachycereus pringlei - Planted 01/03/2016, Shown 01/17/16
Age/origin of seed unknown. First up in 2 days (!). 100% germination. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered container method, grow light. Very fast to grow. I planted them way too dense given their size. I'd call these seedlings rewarding.
This one has 3 cotyledons, which seems unusual:
Graptopetalum rusbyi - Planted 01/03/2016, Shown 01/17/16
Age/origin of seed unknown. First up in 3-4 days. Strong germination. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered container method, grow light.
Gymnocalycium hybrid - Planted 01/03/2016, Shown 01/17/16
Fresh seed from keithp2012 (thanks!) First up in 3-4 days. Strong germination. Desert sand with a bit of sifted organic media, covered container method, grow light.
