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Peacock Orchid seeds
Benjamin Hargrave
Posts: 26
I don't know if anyone is familiar with growing these beautiful plants from seed? I planted a few corms in my front garden which is very shaded and didn't really expect much to happen. They have come up 2 years in a row but only one flowered this past summer (none having done so the previous year). After the blooms went over, one of the heads produced a seed pod which has now burst open. I don't think I can upload a photo but the pod is in 3 sections, each with seeds that have a delicate, dry trim which presumably allows them to travel in the wind. I'm going to have a go at planting them but just wondered if there is any advice from people who have done the same and whether they have had any success. I am in the process of something similar with Alstroamerias but they're not at the stage of coming up yet as they're still in the fridge. My understanding is that Gladiolus Acidanthera are a warmer climate species so perhaps wouldn't need to be kept in the fridge for any time anyway. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Excited Ben of East London
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http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peacock-orchid/growing-peacock-orchids.htm
So I'm hoping it might be easier than what you're suggesting unless it was the right plant you're talking about in which case
Well, I've put them in seed pots now, so I'll just expect nothing and have a tiny little bit of hope for something!
If they are as easy as Gladiolus byzantinus (or whatever it is called now) then they are dead easy. They do not need cold stratification, but keep the seed pots cool, rather than hot. Germination should take place in spring. Seedlings look like grass. Grow on in the seed pot, feeding with half strength liquid feed for the first year. Then when the leaves start to go yellow, stop watering and keep the pot somewhere cool but frost free. Repot the whole thing the following Spring in a deeper pot with fresh compost and grow on for another season. If the corms are then big enough to separate, do so and grow on until they reach flowering size. Takes about 3 to 4 years.
I'll see what happens but keep them cool.
Thank you.
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peacock-orchid/growing-peacock-orchids.htm
So I'm hoping it might be easier than what you're suggesting unless it was the right plant you're talking about in which case