can a normal person grow orchids from seed?

[vanda]

I've been reading up on flasks etc and I am wondering if I have a hope of ever suceeding at the seed thing! I have reasonably green fingers and have kept orchids for a few years, I'd like to expand in the hobby and have been thinking about growing from seed. I don't want to spend a fortune on expensive equipment that I don't really need but I'm not sure about my chances of sucess using cheep alternitives. First I'm going to try some deflasking but in the mean time I'm going to look into what I need for sowing seeds. The question is do I have a hope? What do you think?

[fred]

http://www.users.on.net/~gmcorbin/BO...om%20Seed.html

http://www.kew.org/ksheets/orchid-prop.html

Hi and welcome to the forum
I hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
To grow orchids from seeds is not easy at all.
To set up a Laboratory and equipment is expencive.

http://orchidsource.com/GB_seed_manual.html
http://www.kaysgreisenspecialties.co...king%20Methods

I am sure other members will also help you with your question

happy chatting

[gerneveyn]

I believe so. One day I'll try again. Here's a website by an Austrian couple (it's in English too) that describes asymbiotic and symbiotic seed germination: http://www.orchideenvermehrung.at/english/index.htm

[BillC]

Vanda, welcome to the forum, I trust you will find all the information you require on this site.

I would certainly advise you to begin by purchasing flasks and growing on from that point. The approximate time from deflasking to the first bloom is two years, if everything goes well ! Time window for the flask process is about one year.

If you are determined to try deflasking and growing on, read all the posts on that subject.

Good Luck ... Bill

[vanda]

Thanks for the links, they will be helpful.

[Ellen]

I don't know where you're located, but there are plenty of well-equipped labs that will grow seed for you so that you end up with flasks. In the meantime, try deflasking some plants and see if you like going through the process. It's not everyone's cup of tea.

You should also be aware that there's a good deal of variability in the quality of flasks being sold, especially on e-bay. If you are unsuccessful at raising the baby plants, it may be because you got a poor quality flask. There are certain labs that I regularly get flasks from because I know they are likely to be good, and others that I avoid.

Good luck with your deflasking experiments.

[janet_a]

before even the flask, buy a couple seedlings and see if you can grow them to adulthood.

i haven't been able to yet.

[vanda]

I already grew seedlings. I'm trying to work out the best place to buy flasks(full ones) from now.

Any recomendations?

I live in Portugal

[Orcacr]

Hi Vanda
Please do not give up on the idea of growing orchids from seed I do it and I'm having a ball doing it--Please go to members.cox.net/ahicks51/osp and order AJ Hicks book on Asymbiotic technique of orchid seed germination you will never regret it--it's not that expensive--pint mason jars are the best--I have a complete lab in my home and have 100s of flasks of orchids that book is the best information I trade seeds from flaskers around the world--what's a regular orchid to you in your country may br rare in another country--if kept properly orchid seeds may be kept for years in your refrigerator--AJs book explains all--don't give up on the idea--it's great and not expensive--Norm

[vanda]

Thanks orcacr, thats the most encouraging advice I've had. I'm not looking to get it right 100% of the time just "have a ball" as you put it . The book sounds like a good idea.