Sowing Astrophytum seeds for beginners - Baggy Method
We are passionate about the idea of growing cactus from seeds its always very fulfilling to us to observe the entire development of the plant until it reach flowering stage. Also propagation by seed will help you obtain unique plants that might have high ornamental value in the future like hybrids, crested plants, attractive variegations and other unexpected mutations – THE NEVER ENDING STORY OF ASTROPHYTUM.
Ways to obtain Astrophytum seeds.
When it comes to obtaining Astrophytum seeds, you have two options: buying seeds from a reputable seller or supplier or pollinating and picking seeds from a mother plant that you already have at your disposal. Here, you are essentially choosing between price and convenience.
1. Pick seed pods from your existent cacti collection – This requires a bit more work and seed processing. But the cheapest way to expand your Astrophytum collection.
2. Buy from a reputable Astrophytum grower – This is more convenient and at the same time you can grow rare varieties that you don’t own yet. This will help you own wide variety of Astrophytum in the future.
In the photo below, you can see what the Astrophytum seeds look like. I noticed that Astrophytum seeds might have a slight difference on sizes, shape and color - ranging from brown to dark.
How to Store Seeds:
Store seeds in paper bags or seed packets in dry, protected areas. Humidity and heat will reduce viability dramatically. If you plan to store seeds in plastic bags, be sure the seeds are completely dry. Label your package with the species name, date collected, and location. Seeds can be saved for years and stay viable when stored correctly.
How to Process Seeds:
Seeds can easily be processed by breaking open the capsules by hand. Smaller seeds can be processed by using a small grinder to separate the seed from the capsules and then sifting the seeds from the chaff with a mesh strainer.
Freshly processed Astrophytum Asterias seeds.
There are several ways on how to grow Astrophytum from seeds, in this tutorial I will share the method of growing Astrophytum from seeds using the Baggy Method. When done correctly we find that this method is very effective.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Astrophytum Seeds
Pot & containers – clean and sterilized (Save substrate by using smaller pots)
Plastic bags – resealable bags (quart size)
Label & Markers
Water & Spray Bottle
SUBSTRATE/ SOIL MEDIUM
There is no perfect soil for sowing cactus seeds, you can use any soil medium available to you as long as it can hold moisture without being too compact at the same time. Ideal soil for us is a mixture of 60%-80% organic material such as sifted topsoil/garden soil, peat moss, coco coir mix with 20%-40% inorganic material such as coarse grain sand, perlite, pumice, turface mvp, akadama, granulated calcined clay, fine gravel.
SOWING
Proceed to fill the pot with soil and moist the substrate. Once the soil is moist, try to sprinkle the seeds evenly in the substrate, you do not need to bury the seeds. Place the pot with seeds in the plastic bag and spray with water before sealing the bag completely air tight.
Choose a warm spot with right shade for your cactus seeds. Do not expose the bag to direct sun. Refrain from opening the bag for at least 4months unless necessary. Keeping them inside the bag will provide the necessary level of humidity and heat that seeds require in order to germinate. The bag will also help maintain a sterile growing environment for the cacti. Seeds will start germinating as early as 4days.
We find that the seeds germinate faster when the temperature is between 75-85 Fahrenheit. While it is convenient to sow cacti seeds during spring and summer you may sow cacti seeds anytime of the year if you are able to provide the ideal temperature & light, you may grow them indoors in the heated room under a grow light and heat mat during the cold winter months.
Seeds needs to be process and dried before sowing. The process involves separating the seed itself from the jelly like glutinous flesh. It is best to use fresh seeds when sowing Astrophytum to obtain great germination.
When sowing Asterias from seeds, it’s not necessary to bury the seeds - its optional to cover them very lightly with fine sand or vermiculite.
This is what a newly germinated asterias seeds looks like inside the baggy - less than two weeks old. Its fascinating how they develop a little blup first before they develop its roots! The baggy will stay tightly closed for the next 4 months or so.
One month old Asterias showing the early development of temporary spines. Although Asterias are classified as spineless cacti seedlings however will show some rudimentary spines within the first weeks and months.
Trichomes “white scale looking pattern” will start to emerge anywhere from 40days to 60days from sowing.
This is what 6-8 months old seedling looks like. Ready for transplanting.
12-14 months old seedlings
14-18 months old seedlings. Seedlings have different metabolic capacity some grow fast and some grow slow.
Asterias starts to flower when they reach atleast 1.5 inches in diameter (anywhere from 3-5years from sowing) At this stage the cycles repeats - pollination process can be done to obtain seeds.
Few of the many different forms of Astrophytum Asterias. These are 100% seed grown by me, it takes a lot of patience and dedication but at the end you’ll find unexplainable amount of joy growing cacti from seeds!
Have you grown Astrophytum asterias from Seeds? if so, how was your experience - Lets connect comments are welcome:-)
Happy Growing!