Glad you share passion for proteas!! I just started "chronicles of protea" where I will be showing every growth step from seed. Feel free to check it out and comment any suggestions you might have, thank you!
Good morning, We reside in Mossel Bay in the Cape Province and I have been exploring Protea growing as a new hobby. After looking at dozens of videos and commentary on the subject I must firstly thank you for your fantastic and very informative video. It is packed with all the basic and specific information needed to germinate the seeds and so well presented. I really look forward to receiving your further information. Kind regards from South Africa.
Hey protea lover! Make sure you go over to my chanel and leave any comments, I made a video reviewing and showing my protea seeds I got from Silverhill!!
Loved your doccie. I live in Cape Town an have several varieties growing in the garden. Last week I bought a whole lot more ( pin cushion colours) to plant. I am converting the garden into Fynbos due to drought conditions. But, since falling in love with these local species, I'm doing it despite the drought. My next endeavour is to check my Protea bush for seed, thanks to you, I am also going to germinate and grow some bushes myself.
So funny. I was in Kenilworth a few weeks ago... where your seeds came from... Amazing.. Should go check out that place on the envelope. Do you know if they accept walk Ins?
Wow! How thrilling to see this whole process of germination of these protea plants. I live in Somerset West, fairly close to Cape Town where we have pincushion proteas growing in the wild, especially on the Helderberg mountain area, where we live. I love visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens which has many Proteas growing there. Wishing you well as you continue to nurture your precious plants. Gwynneth Glass
Absolutely beautiful presentation. God bless you. This a patiently, enthusiastically triumphant germination of different proteus I have ever seen. Magnificent video. Need to be taught in plant propagation course in University level
Your video is so incredibly detailed and helpful. I have followed it word for word (as much as I can from Australia). I’ve had some successes and some failures. I was wondering if there is some medium where I could ask you some questions to figure out where I went wrong with some of my seeds? Thanks again for your video.
@@growproteas1148 I wish. For the past 5 years I've been living and working in Saudi Arabia. Nothing grows here and we aren't allowed to import seeds. It's a gardener's hell. But when I return to South Africa, I will start growing them again. We have a protea grower called Arnelia in SA that has released Mimetes splendidus, with silver foliage and apricot flowers, which I'm dying to try. I hope your mimetes have grown and if you have any flowers please share with us!
@@colly7963 I would love to get mimetes splendidus.. . I have seen pictures of it... seeds aren't available... here is the updated video i made last year... th-cam.com/video/cP0Mpimq5cY/w-d-xo.html
@@growproteas1148 Thank you so much for sharing these videos. Your M cucullatum is looking very healthy and lush, congratulations! What a wonderful reward for all efforts. Do you know they grow from a lignotuber? So when it gets old and leggy you can cut it back and it will resprout.
What a great step-by step account of your germination experiments. I have Protea tottom seeds, Protea welwitschii seeds, and Leucospermum cuneiforme seeds. I will try the paper towel and plastic cup method. TY so much for all this valuable information. I wonder how your 17 plants are doing now?
you are amazing! thank you sooooo much for this, the best video I have ever seen for plants in general, so much love! I will grow protea cynaroides and this video is an eye opener.
(Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah playing in the background) Today is October 27th, 2018 and I've finally germinated and sprouted a Mimetes cucullatus thanks almost entirely to your inspiration and excellent instructions in this video. I actually started the process last year on September 1, 2017 with a large number of seeds from the Proteaceae family. I had a fair amount of success last year, with over 50 plants surviving now after 1 year. I had zero success however with the Mimetes last year, no hint of even germination, so I again ordered seed (100 this time, instead of just 15) from Silverhill this summer and replanted on September 1, 2018. 3 have germinated so far, and the first of those is up out of the soil today but still with its seed coat on, in exact parallel with your experience. Hopefully I'll have a few more sprout, and I look forward to seeing them grow. Again, thanks so much for this excellent video
Excellent! Once they sprout they are easy to grow. Did you sprout all of them in soil? I had no luck in soil as mine only sprouted in the cups or between towels.
This is such a good resource to have. I'm from South Africa but I've moved to Netherlands. But I've brought some Protea nitida seeds with me. And I really want to germinate them and see if I can even grow them here
Such great descriptions of what your methods are. You are so good at recording when you began trying to germinate, when each plant germinated, and the progress of each plant. Your commentary was so helpful. Love your idea about how to capture the smoke in a cloth then put the cloth in your squirter bottle. The hallayoua (sp) chorus was so hilarious when your mimetes germinated. I LOLed. TY for so much great information. I didn't get where you obtained those deep planting containers for the protea because they have a long tap root. I have never seen these containers. The audio portion was not very loud. I had to turn the speakers on my laptop to 100%, but the helpful information you gave was great. I appreciate your trying different methods of germination to see what worked the best. Im not clear if the fungicide helped or not. Great job!
+Tara Chantler - Hell Tara - thanks for the comments - I wasn't sure anyone would actually watch the video!... As it is pretty obscure... In terms of the fungicide - I don't think it was required as it they germinated with it and without it. I bought the pots here... www.stuewe.com/ - Let me know if you try to grow some... here is a picture of the plants recently...
I have watched that one, too. I will watch the first one a 3rd time and jot notes. I agree with you that using paper towel is a best way to germinate seeds.
I watched all your videos and I think that patience is the key for your success! Unfortunately, I am not patient enough. I planted 50% of my seeds directly into soil, hoping for a miracle! Hopefully, I will be able to share the picture of my protea with you some time this year. Sincerely, Galina
Fantastic video! I watched it from start to finish! I fell in love with the king and queen proteas after visiting South Africa before the pandemic. I'm going to try and grow these in Texas. Thanks so much. How's it going in 2021? Are you still growing?
I got beautiful protea for my wedding anniversary last September in the island of Madeira. Brought some seeds from Portugal to my residence of Northern Virginia. 6 weeks ago planted some in the plastic cup, unfortunately, my protea did not germinate. (By the way, how often I should water a cup with the seeds?). Obviously, I did something wrong. A few weeks ago I received 280 seeds from South Africa and will try again. Any suggestions on how to be successful this time around? Thank you. Galina W.
+Galina W. - When using the cup method you must keep it continually moist - I would spray water into the cup when ever the tissue started to become dry. Also you must put it into the frig at night - kitchen during the day to get germination going.
I LOVE your videos! Thanks so much for taking the time to make these. Do you have any recommendations on where to source concrete sand and pumice for the soil?
Concrete sand you can buy at any "sand and gravel yard", as for the pumice it is harder to find... I buy mine at a "sand and gravel yard" so you would need to call around.
I really like your videos, and find them quite unique & helpful. I just have a question about watering habits. I've had previously had two Leucospermums, two Mimetes, and a Leucadendron all die on me. I am still unsure as to whether the cause was poor drainage or possible alkalinity in the soil. In attempt to remedy this, I eventually built a raised bed, and planted a Leucospermum cordifolium X pattersonii in it, about 4 months ago. I used only Arnelia potting soil, which is (supposedly) made specifically for Proteaceae plants. Lately though, the new shoots/growth have been drooping/wilting, quite significantly. These shoots seem to become more erect, directly after watering. At the moment I skip two days after each watering. Thus, I'm watering it once every 3 days...but I'm not sure if this is appropriate. I know that these plants need to be watered more frequently, within their first 18 months of become established. I've also been told that one should water daily, if the plant is in a pot. Though I'm not sure what is appropriate, if the plant is in raised bed. Thus, my question is: How frequently should one water a Leucospermum, which is in a raised-bed, gets full sun, and is still becoming established ?
I have a mimetes in a raised bed - 12 inches above ground - ( died in the ground but loves the raised bed) - I water it when I water my potted plants - 100+ is daily, 90-100 every other day, below 90 about 3-5 days.
Beautiful.. I just had a question...what is your light cycle?..I'm looking to grow them under lamps.. Do you change the number of h to induce blooming? Do you use strong (high w) lights?
I grow them indoors until they can go out side - usually after a few leaves - Adult plants would do better outside. When young the artificial light is on around 12- 14 hrs a day.
Great results you have gotten! The details about germinating in cups with wet paper towels, very helpful. The Handel Hallelujah Chorus is one that runs through my head whenever I see a new seedling or new inflorescence. A few questions:The towels-in-cup germination method: were the cups kept in darkness? Or light? You were keeping them in the fridge at night and bringing them out in daytime? How many hours a day were the plants getting the artificial light? Were you giving them tap water? Distilled? What was the pH of the water used? May I ask what Sunset growing zone you are in? Feedback about Mimetes I've gotten so far seems to indicate a super hot summer kills them off--the plants at the UC SC Arboretum in cool-summer Sunset 17 seem to be thriving--do you think cool summers are a must? The Telopea plants in your visit to SD county--were they in part shade? They seem to have slightly different requirements--higher moisture/humidity/cooler summer temps than Leucospermum/Protea--is that true? Thanks! Have been through several of your videos so far, great stuff. My Proteaceae are growing well so far, and I just began experimenting with growing from seed--so far two Leucospermum seedlings from seed collected from my own flowers is the big Hallelujuah Chorus moment. :) Thanks again for great information!
Hello... During the day the cups were put near a window - it's possible the light may have helped germination. No artificial light - just light from the window. I usually took the cups out of the frig at 8 am and put them back in the frig in the evening. I used reverse osmosis water that was mixed with a wet cloth that had been put over smoke to make smoke water. Never worried about the the pH. I would have to disagree about the Mimetes. Here is Sacramento we are USDA zone 9b with lows 25-30 f. When I started my protea project I didn't know how they would do here with our heat - Well now I know. They love it. Sacramento has very hot summers - last summer we had multiple weeks of highs between 102 to 106. The average summer high is about 90. The Mimetes seemed to love the dry heat and grew very well. My proteas and leucospermums also grew well in the heat. It's not nearly as hot as for example Arizona here, but still very hot. The Telopea I saw in SD was in full sun - but here in Sacramento they definitely need shade as they cannot handle our hot summers . I had one die in full sun, but my others are growing well in partial shade. I will be posting a 1 year follow up video on all the plants soon... my mimetes are really doing well!
Such great videos! I live in Phoenix so even hotter. Think my best bet is to germinate banskia and grevillias which have a better chance to survive our brutal summers. Saw a Australian article where they use cotton balls/fiber but I like the paper towel method. Liked your custom potting mix and tip about the hot water to sterilize, skipping the whole seed starter mix. A local grower near you uses Liquid Smoke which you can get at a local grocery store and also mentioned on Australian sites. 1 to 10 ratio with water. Grevilleas are more difficult to geminate than banksias, would you use the same exact process? Comments by Australians or anyone on grevilleas on having success would be great.
I germinated a few grevilleas seeds from my own plant - no smoke water was used - put in a small pot in October outside and by December they germinated
@@growproteas1148 Really appreciate the response! Think I can grow them in Phoenix? 109 today. Any suggestions on a South African variety since they grow in a much more moderate climate that Sacramento or Phoenix? If I go to San Diego anyone or retail grower to checkout? I understand cuttings flower much better with some of the Australian protea? Huge thanks from us learning so much. Love your systematic approach and solid research. You are probably and engineer. Thinking I can join the local society/club in San Diego. Seems they have sales to.
@@roytate3889 I think trying to grow these plants in Phoenix is an uphill battle - they would need to be in the shade - you could call it an experiment to see if possible...
Great Job propagating these seeds. Would you ever consider selling a plant? I have some seeds from S. Africa to try and a greenhouse to shelter. What are the min/max temperatures for these plants. Your videos are great. Super informative. Tamara Bliley
Can I ask how did the Protea Magnificas do? I've been successful in following your process to get a 50% germination rate (thank you!). Now trying to ensure I'm able to grow them well. Any rec's? I watched your other videos and couldn't find further reference to the protea magnifica's. Thanks in advance!
Thank you much for this precious information/explanation! I want to try germinating seeds...may I ask you 2 questions? 1. What was the average time to germinate seeds using the cup/paper towel/smoke water method? 2. Have you, by chance, tried to put and keep cups in the dark, or Always kept them at natural day light? (...from your experience and knowledge, would that make sense?). Thanks a Lot, Ana, from Brazil.
For leucospermum to germinate using the cup method was 4-6 weeks. I put them in the frig at night to get the temperature change of 40 at night to 70 day . I don't think light is as important as temperature change to induce germination.
Hi. great video! Can you tell me - was there any difference between the seeds you treated for fungus and those that you didnt? Thanks, Lucy (Australia)
thanks.. i don't think there was any difference between the two - fungicide vs none - and since then I have grown more proteas from seed not using the fungicide with excellent results.
After 3 days in the paper towel Cup method about a fourth of my seeds grew moldy :( Maybe I’m misting the paper towels too much. How often did you mist and how moist should the paper towel be? Thank you!
Mist enough to keep moist... if moldy wash seeds and change paper. Warm house will give more mold. Putting the cups in the fridge at night will reduce mold problems.
Hi, I'm really fascinated with proreas I actually live quite close to where you ordered these seeds. I was wanting to know if this is the method of germanting seeds for all proteas. Thanks in advance!
yes it has worked for seeds of all protea - so you live on SA? You are lucky to have all the species there! Mimetes hottentoticus is a rare one I can't find...
@@growproteas1148 I've bought a few protea and a few seeds I have got clay soil in the area I live. I have Protea Cynaroides seeds and a small plant, Protea Repens seeds, Protea Grandiceps seeds, and Leucadendron High gold. I'm worried the soil in my garden is not the right one as it thrives in sandy soil. Could I email you more as I really want these plants to thrive and any information you give me will be greatly appreciated.
Great video chock full of useful information. I am in Merced, CA US and just starting my protea journey. Is there any place in the US to order the smoke seed primer or, do you make your own? Thanks again!
Hi! I am so excited that one of my king protea seeds germinated on April 4th after using your cup-papertowel method for 10 days!!!!! Thank you so much!!! But my 3 Leucospermum cuneiforme seeds all went moldy even I have sprayed fungicide everyday, may it because I didn't treat them with hydroperoxide? I am gonna do H2O2 treatment for the 2 new leucospermum cuneiforme seeds that are the only left to see if they will go better. Thanks again for sharing your detailed instructions for planting proteas.
Thanks so much for making this great video and the follow-ups! I'm inspired to try growing some myself but can't seem to find the seeds anywhere. Any advice on where I might find seeds?
Hi, I have some tiny roots from my protea seeds - only 2. What temperature will they need now please? I am going to sterilise the soil tomorrow morning and plant them in dirt. But at a loss as to what temperature and light level needed. Your help is much appreciated.
Great news! If in the house - i put mine under grow lights - temp 60 evening 70 day time. If it gets too hot they will have trouble when they are this young. I would use the planting mix in the video.
Do you use this method for all of the seeds? I have some leucadendron seeds that I'd like to germinate using this method but they look very different than the ones seen in your video
Thanks for the very informative video. You have inspired me to give it a try. I do have a question on importing seeds from outside US to California. Is there a special permit required? Thanks again!
+Nookway - You do actually need a permit - but if the seeds are sent regular US mail the post office doesn't check. I had some seeds sent DHL mail and they were held up by customs and I had to get a permit to release them. So stick with US mail service.
Hi, thanks for the video, I just bought some seeds in shipping transit. If all goes well, how long from seedling to flowering? How long does the flower blossom last? Where can I buy some seedling or bigger protea plants now, if any available online? Thanks.
Probably 3 years to bloom... flowers last 2-3 weeks... no source online.. would need to go to a nursery... there are many in California that sell them...
Thanks for putting together this wonderful video. It's really great. I did have a couple of questions: Do you follow the exact same protocol with protea seeds? How about leucadendrons? Any modifications that you would suggest for those seeds? With the seeds in the cups/perlite, how often did you spray with captan and/or physan? Thanks again!
Yes I followed the same procedure with protea, and leucadendron seeds except that they don't need hydrogen peroxide as there is no cover on the seed. I did use the smoke water although they may not need it. I sprayed with anti-fungal maybe once every 10 days.
Hi! Thanks for your video! So if I decide to use your cup method to help seeds germinate, should I put those cups into refrigerator every night (4 degree C) to make the temperature cool down?
@@growproteas1148 Thank you! So I don't need to seal the cup opening? I am living in Miami. I have done research and it seems like few protea lovers can successfully plant them in such a hot and wet place. But I am gonna have a try.
Hi, Thanks for your video. Finally, for the plastic cup germination method, did you seal the cup ? If no, at which frequency do you humidify paper towel ? Thx
at 21 mins into the video you are touching the seeds w your fingers, after all the meticulous care to prevent fungus aren't you afraid this will cause fungus now. Why not just use your the hemostats to touch the seeds . Love your instructions, I purchased the protea suzanne at "Trader Joes" as a cut flower because I loved the unusual shape and it has lasted in my vase for 3 weeks now and is still looking beautiful. Wonderful video , have you ever grown the "Protea Suzannae?
+Martha & Tom Guglielmetti - hello - have not grown Suzannae - beautiful flower though! I usually use the hemostats to handle the seeds - I did not have any problem with fungus - seeds seemed pretty immune - even the seeds that did not have any fungicide grew.
I would use 2 liter pop bottle for their tap roots...and.to sterilize soil i use the bBq after cooking...and a metal pan...but theae seeds.are precious ..hope my Australian.seeds do.as.well
Hey there! Thank you for your wonderful vids. I have been germinating several types of seed (protea, mimetes, leucodendron) according to your method and have had some success so far. My question is, once you transplant the seeds into soil, how often do you water? I'm used to growing agave/aloe/other succulents from seed and keep them pretty moist until they are relatively mature. Is it the same for proteas? One of my P. grandiceps looks like it's struggling, and none of them are growing particularly fast. I have them in a bright west-facing window where they get a couple hours of sunset light and all day indirect light.
I grew mine under lights in the house - watered once to twice per week. The more light the faster they will grow. After 2 mature leaves you could put them outside.
Thank you! They are growing slowly but surely. I'm trying to bridge them to two mature leaves so I can get away without buying a light. I have Protea cynaroides, laurifolia, and grandiceps all growing in soil now. Your videos are incredibly helpful. Enjoy seeing your progress!
@@stephaniepreston9420 im lucky, kinda have homeside advantage as where i stay is on the cape flats in cape town. I use coconut coir and perlite in a 1:1 ratio. Luckily I can buy leucodendron, even leucospermum, proteas and a vast array of natives at any of our local nurseries. I plant the out. Fynbosbhate phospates, so you have to basically plantb it in accidic, nutritionless soil, my garden soil is ideal... Its acidic and sandy... really great living in south africa... can grow anything here.
Thanks for the video, I'm from Chile and last year responsible seeds Protea maginica to South Africa, among others, but it was not me because they rotted and apparently came fungi, my English is very bad, so I wanted to ask some written article that I can suggest to germinate my seeds in the glass. Thanks and hope to see more of your videos. Greetings from Chile
I think all of the smoke we had in fall from the fires has made the seeds from my leucospermum germinate. I found seedlings at the base of my plant. Anyone else in California see this?
@@growproteas1148 They are, you can buy them from the side of the road where I live. It's not that they're illegal to have or grow, its just that taking any plant from a park or reserve is illegal.
Also apologies for the double reply. But one thing to maybe consider (and this hasn't been well documented in research from what I've seen so take it with a grain of salt) but I've actually done the effort before to measure pH of the water of table mountain, so I dragged a digital pH sensor up with me. And the pH and temp of the dams (DeVilliers dam and hutchinson hely dam) and they are fed by (and feed into many of the streams that will directly feed these plants (I was doing a Drosera hilaris grow at the time hence doing it) and what I've found is that on top of table mountain where you get the blackwater streams where many of this fynbos grows (with the blackwater being found both on table mountain and elsewhere, such as Storms river by knysna, which is where the "prime" fynbos grows if I can say that) have a pH of 3.5 and a temp of 12-15 with pH and temp increasing as it flows downward to lowlands, the increase in pH and the colour fading is likely due to tannins being leached out while going downstream, so I'd reckon very freely draining Coco coir with a lot of perlite in it will work a charm to germinate them, also given the fact that it'll greatly reduce the risk of fungal growth, decreasing the need for fungicides. Now bear in mind it's not impossible that the reading was off, and that pH varies with temperature, so I'd err on the safe side with closer to a 4-4.5 pH and still very cold temps. But I'd imagine that would solve a lot of your problems that you could encounter. Happy growing and if you get to try this let me know how it works. I've always found trying to mimic a plants environment as closely as possible is the best way to encourage their growth so hopefully it'll be of some use
I actually tried adding hydrochloric acid to the water of some of the young protea but seems like it wasn't needed as the growth was similar. Peat moss is very acidic and seems to do the job...
@@growproteas1148 hmmm if I made it I wouldn't necessarily use HCl since it's a volatile acid, and very strong (relatively speaking), I feel like the chloride ions could also especially mess with protea nutrient uptake (due to the mechanism they use without nitrogen fixing bacteria) If necessary to supplement then I'd use citric acid but as you said sandy loam - like Coco coir would be ideal, that is the the coir isn't pH corrected as is often done with normal Coco coir potting soil bought in bags
You need to be careful when sterlizing soil for plantings as too hot can actuality produce toxins in the soil. To sterilize do not use boinking water! Wet soil (Moist but not sloppy wet) and put in a try (max 4" deep of soil), then cover with tin foil and bake in oven set to 200F. Use a thermometer to supervise baking and bake until internal temp of 180F is reached. Turn off oven and let cool. Depending on size of tray and amount of soil, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours! Keep soil in a fungus free environment! (heavy weight plastic bag or sterilized plastic container. Remember... wash hands and sterilize all tools, pots, etc. too!!
From South Africa, thank you for your passion for the Protea! Great video! Please keep us updated!
Glad you share passion for proteas!! I just started "chronicles of protea" where I will be showing every growth step from seed. Feel free to check it out and comment any suggestions you might have, thank you!
Good morning, We reside in Mossel Bay in the Cape Province and I have been exploring Protea growing as a new hobby. After looking at dozens of videos and commentary on the subject I must firstly thank you for your fantastic and very informative video. It is packed with all the basic and specific information needed to germinate the seeds and so well presented. I really look forward to receiving your further information. Kind regards from South Africa.
thanks - this video I made shows an easier method.. th-cam.com/video/mcJqf8AbGII/w-d-xo.html
I have just purchased some Proteaceae seeds from silverhill and your video is truly amazing! Thanks
Hey protea lover! Make sure you go over to my chanel and leave any comments, I made a video reviewing and showing my protea seeds I got from Silverhill!!
Loved your doccie. I live in Cape Town an have several varieties growing in the garden. Last week I bought a whole lot more ( pin cushion colours) to plant. I am converting the garden into Fynbos due to drought conditions. But, since falling in love with these local species, I'm doing it despite the drought. My next endeavour is to check my Protea bush for seed, thanks to you, I am also going to germinate and grow some bushes myself.
Excellent! You may want to add a few banksia.
So funny. I was in Kenilworth a few weeks ago... where your seeds came from... Amazing..
Should go check out that place on the envelope. Do you know if they accept walk Ins?
Wow! How thrilling to see this whole process of germination of these protea plants. I live in Somerset West, fairly close to Cape Town where we have pincushion proteas growing in the wild, especially on the Helderberg mountain area, where we live. I love visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens which has many Proteas growing there. Wishing you well as you continue to nurture your precious plants. Gwynneth Glass
Thanks... I just put out a new video on my channel on growing leucospermum from seed u might like.
Thanks a Lot for your plan to grow the beautiful flowers for RSA I try to grow from seed I will do so thanks
Absolutely beautiful presentation. God bless you. This a patiently, enthusiastically triumphant germination of different proteus I have ever seen. Magnificent video. Need to be taught in plant propagation course in University level
Your video is so incredibly detailed and helpful. I have followed it word for word (as much as I can from Australia). I’ve had some successes and some failures. I was wondering if there is some medium where I could ask you some questions to figure out where I went wrong with some of my seeds? Thanks again for your video.
I can't believe I found this video! Mimetes are also my favourite proteas.
Are you growing any currently?
@@growproteas1148 I wish. For the past 5 years I've been living and working in Saudi Arabia. Nothing grows here and we aren't allowed to import seeds. It's a gardener's hell. But when I return to South Africa, I will start growing them again. We have a protea grower called Arnelia in SA that has released Mimetes splendidus, with silver foliage and apricot flowers, which I'm dying to try. I hope your mimetes have grown and if you have any flowers please share with us!
@@colly7963 I would love to get mimetes splendidus.. . I have seen pictures of it... seeds aren't available... here is the updated video i made last year... th-cam.com/video/cP0Mpimq5cY/w-d-xo.html
@@growproteas1148 Thank you so much for sharing these videos. Your M cucullatum is looking very healthy and lush, congratulations! What a wonderful reward for all efforts. Do you know they grow from a lignotuber? So when it gets old and leggy you can cut it back and it will resprout.
Thank you for posting this! Love proteas dearly
thanks so much
What a great step-by step account of your germination experiments. I have Protea tottom seeds, Protea welwitschii seeds, and Leucospermum cuneiforme seeds. I will try the paper towel and plastic cup method. TY so much for all this valuable information. I wonder how your 17 plants are doing now?
Most are alive and growing well... thanks!
you are amazing! thank you sooooo much for this, the best video I have ever seen for plants in general, so much love! I will grow protea cynaroides and this video is an eye opener.
Thanks so much! All the plants from the video are alive and growing well.. expecting blooms soon...
Thank God for you buddy! Thank you for this wonderful video.
(Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah playing in the background) Today is October 27th, 2018 and I've finally germinated and sprouted a Mimetes cucullatus thanks almost entirely to your inspiration and excellent instructions in this video. I actually started the process last year on September 1, 2017 with a large number of seeds from the Proteaceae family. I had a fair amount of success last year, with over 50 plants surviving now after 1 year. I had zero success however with the Mimetes last year, no hint of even germination, so I again ordered seed (100 this time, instead of just 15) from Silverhill this summer and replanted on September 1, 2018. 3 have germinated so far, and the first of those is up out of the soil today but still with its seed coat on, in exact parallel with your experience. Hopefully I'll have a few more sprout, and I look forward to seeing them grow. Again, thanks so much for this excellent video
Excellent! Once they sprout they are easy to grow. Did you sprout all of them in soil? I had no luck in soil as mine only sprouted in the cups or between towels.
I used the cup method last year and this year
I really enjoyed watching your video. Would love to try germinating the seeds, using your cup method. Thank you for all the practical advise!
Cup method can be prone to mold in the summer... no issues in the winter..
This is such a good resource to have. I'm from South Africa but I've moved to Netherlands. But I've brought some Protea nitida seeds with me. And I really want to germinate them and see if I can even grow them here
Excellent job! I enjoyed your show! Very informative.
Great instructions. Nicely detailed. Thank you so much. I love your plant children!
Such great descriptions of what your methods are. You are so good at recording when you began trying to germinate, when each plant germinated, and the progress of each plant. Your commentary was so helpful. Love your idea about how to capture the smoke in a cloth then put the cloth in your squirter bottle. The hallayoua (sp) chorus was so hilarious when your mimetes germinated. I LOLed. TY for so much great information. I didn't get where you obtained those deep planting containers for the protea because they have a long tap root. I have never seen these containers. The audio portion was not very loud. I had to turn the speakers on my laptop to 100%, but the helpful information you gave was great. I appreciate your trying different methods of germination to see what worked the best. Im not clear if the fungicide helped or not. Great job!
+Tara Chantler - Hell Tara - thanks for the comments - I wasn't sure anyone would actually watch the video!... As it is pretty obscure... In terms of the fungicide - I don't think it was required as it they germinated with it and without it. I bought the pots here... www.stuewe.com/ - Let me know if you try to grow some... here is a picture of the plants recently...
Thank you so much! Looking forward to seeing your flowers!
A YM I posted a new video.... 1 year later....
I have watched that one, too. I will watch the first one a 3rd time and jot notes. I agree with you that using paper towel is a best way to germinate seeds.
I watched all your videos and I think that patience is the key for your success! Unfortunately, I am not patient enough. I planted 50% of my seeds directly into soil, hoping for a miracle! Hopefully, I will be able to share the picture of my protea with you some time this year. Sincerely, Galina
+Galina W. Let me know how it goes...
Thank you for sharing your efforts, your tenacity is amazing, along with your imaginative methods for germinating seed
Suzi Gleeson thanks!
Wonderful and very instructive video. How long keep your proteaceus plants on that pots ?
Thanks...some are still in pots...7.5 to 15 gallon and some in the ground
Fantastic video! I watched it from start to finish! I fell in love with the king and queen proteas after visiting South Africa before the pandemic. I'm going to try and grow these in Texas. Thanks so much. How's it going in 2021? Are you still growing?
thanks so much.. yes still growing - check my channel to see updates of these plants - I posted updated videos of the plants and other proteas
I got beautiful protea for my wedding anniversary last September in the island of Madeira. Brought some seeds from Portugal to my residence of Northern Virginia. 6 weeks ago planted some in the plastic cup, unfortunately, my protea did not germinate. (By the way, how often I should water a cup with the seeds?). Obviously, I did something wrong. A few weeks ago I received 280 seeds from South Africa and will try again. Any suggestions on how to be successful this time around? Thank you. Galina W.
+Galina W. - When using the cup method you must keep it continually moist - I would spray water into the cup when ever the tissue started to become dry. Also you must put it into the frig at night - kitchen during the day to get germination going.
I LOVE your videos! Thanks so much for taking the time to make these. Do you have any recommendations on where to source concrete sand and pumice for the soil?
Concrete sand you can buy at any "sand and gravel yard", as for the pumice it is harder to find... I buy mine at a "sand and gravel yard" so you would need to call around.
I really like your videos, and find them quite unique & helpful. I just have a question about watering habits. I've had previously had two Leucospermums, two Mimetes, and a Leucadendron all die on me. I am still unsure as to whether the cause was poor drainage or possible alkalinity in the soil. In attempt to remedy this, I eventually built a raised bed, and planted a Leucospermum cordifolium X pattersonii in it, about 4 months ago. I used only Arnelia potting soil, which is (supposedly) made specifically for Proteaceae plants. Lately though, the new shoots/growth have been drooping/wilting, quite significantly. These shoots seem to become more erect, directly after watering. At the moment I skip two days after each watering. Thus, I'm watering it once every 3 days...but I'm not sure if this is appropriate. I know that these plants need to be watered more frequently, within their first 18 months of become established. I've also been told that one should water daily, if the plant is in a pot. Though I'm not sure what is appropriate, if the plant is in raised bed. Thus, my question is: How frequently should one water a Leucospermum, which is in a raised-bed, gets full sun, and is still becoming established ?
I have a mimetes in a raised bed - 12 inches above ground - ( died in the ground but loves the raised bed) - I water it when I water my potted plants - 100+ is daily, 90-100 every other day, below 90 about 3-5 days.
Beautiful..
I just had a question...what is your light cycle?..I'm looking to grow them under lamps..
Do you change the number of h to induce blooming?
Do you use strong (high w) lights?
I grow them indoors until they can go out side - usually after a few leaves - Adult plants would do better outside. When young the artificial light is on around 12- 14 hrs a day.
Great results you have gotten! The details about germinating in cups with wet paper towels, very helpful. The Handel Hallelujah Chorus is one that runs through my head whenever I see a new seedling or new inflorescence. A few questions:The towels-in-cup germination method: were the cups kept in darkness? Or light? You were keeping them in the fridge at night and bringing them out in daytime? How many hours a day were the plants getting the artificial light? Were you giving them tap water? Distilled? What was the pH of the water used? May I ask what Sunset growing zone you are in? Feedback about Mimetes I've gotten so far seems to indicate a super hot summer kills them off--the plants at the UC SC Arboretum in cool-summer Sunset 17 seem to be thriving--do you think cool summers are a must? The Telopea plants in your visit to SD county--were they in part shade? They seem to have slightly different requirements--higher moisture/humidity/cooler summer temps than Leucospermum/Protea--is that true? Thanks! Have been through several of your videos so far, great stuff. My Proteaceae are growing well so far, and I just began experimenting with growing from seed--so far two Leucospermum seedlings from seed collected from my own flowers is the big Hallelujuah Chorus moment. :) Thanks again for great information!
Hello... During the day the cups were put near a window - it's possible the light may have helped germination. No artificial light - just light from the window. I usually took the cups out of the frig at 8 am and put them back in the frig in the evening. I used reverse osmosis water that was mixed with a wet cloth that had been put over smoke to make smoke water. Never worried about the the pH.
I would have to disagree about the Mimetes.
Here is Sacramento we are USDA zone 9b with lows 25-30 f. When I started my protea project I didn't know how they would do here with our heat - Well now I know. They love it. Sacramento has very hot summers - last summer we had multiple weeks of highs between 102 to 106. The average summer high is about 90. The Mimetes seemed to love the dry heat and grew very well. My proteas and leucospermums also grew well in the heat. It's not nearly as hot as for example Arizona here, but still very hot.
The Telopea I saw in SD was in full sun - but here in Sacramento they definitely need shade as they cannot handle our hot summers . I had one die in full sun, but my others are growing well in partial shade.
I will be posting a 1 year follow up video on all the plants soon... my mimetes are really doing well!
amazing video fantastic
Thanks so much...
Could you repeat the temperature for day and night again please? Also, what compost did you use please? Very good experiments!
During the day the cups were sitting on the kitchen table - temp about 68 - at night in the refrigerator at around 45.
Such great videos! I live in Phoenix so even hotter. Think my best bet is to germinate banskia and grevillias which have a better chance to survive our brutal summers. Saw a Australian article where they use cotton balls/fiber but I like the paper towel method. Liked your custom potting mix and tip about the hot water to sterilize, skipping the whole seed starter mix. A local grower near you uses Liquid Smoke which you can get at a local grocery store and also mentioned on Australian sites. 1 to 10 ratio with water. Grevilleas are more difficult to geminate than banksias, would you use the same exact process? Comments by Australians or anyone on grevilleas on having success would be great.
I germinated a few grevilleas seeds from my own plant - no smoke water was used - put in a small pot in October outside and by December they germinated
@@growproteas1148 Really appreciate the response! Think I can grow them in Phoenix? 109 today. Any suggestions on a South African variety since they grow in a much more moderate climate that Sacramento or Phoenix? If I go to San Diego anyone or retail grower to checkout? I understand cuttings flower much better with some of the Australian protea? Huge thanks from us learning so much. Love your systematic approach and solid research. You are probably and engineer. Thinking I can join the local society/club in San Diego. Seems they have sales to.
@@growproteas1148 OK? Was told they were more a challange than Banksia that seem easy.
@@roytate3889 I think trying to grow these plants in Phoenix is an uphill battle - they would need to be in the shade - you could call it an experiment to see if possible...
@@roytate3889 I find grevillias much easier to grow than banksia
Great Job propagating these seeds. Would you ever consider selling a plant? I have some seeds from S. Africa to try and a greenhouse to shelter. What are the min/max temperatures for these plants. Your videos are great. Super informative. Tamara Bliley
they can handle mild freezing in winter - and 100 in the summer - they cannot handle humidity - so they do best on the West Coast.
no plants for sale...
Awesome!! I just started a series on my channel on the growth of proteas as well!
what is the channel name?
@@growproteas1148 @AdHortus
I really enjoyed this. Thank you
thanks.. good luck growing!
Oh I found a protea blown over and wanted to see how to save it.
Hello, thanks for this informative video. Did you experience any difference with the seeds in the Captan vs no fungicide?
Can I ask how did the Protea Magnificas do? I've been successful in following your process to get a 50% germination rate (thank you!). Now trying to ensure I'm able to grow them well. Any rec's? I watched your other videos and couldn't find further reference to the protea magnifica's. Thanks in advance!
I germinated the magnificas but they all died - I think they may need to grow in straight sand? You should try different mediums
Thank you much for this precious information/explanation! I want to try germinating seeds...may I ask you 2 questions? 1. What was the average time to germinate seeds using the cup/paper towel/smoke water method? 2. Have you, by chance, tried to put and keep cups in the dark, or Always kept them at natural day light? (...from your experience and knowledge, would that make sense?). Thanks a Lot, Ana, from Brazil.
For leucospermum to germinate using the cup method was 4-6 weeks. I put them in the frig at night to get the temperature change of 40 at night to 70 day . I don't think light is as important as temperature change to induce germination.
@@growproteas1148 thank you much, all the best.
...leucospermum seeds go every night to frige or Just once?...
@@analuciaheeren5558 every night until they germinate - this video may help you - th-cam.com/video/mcJqf8AbGII/w-d-xo.html
Perfect, thank you!!!
Hi. great video! Can you tell me - was there any difference between the seeds you treated for fungus and those that you didnt? Thanks, Lucy (Australia)
thanks.. i don't think there was any difference between the two - fungicide vs none - and since then I have grown more proteas from seed not using the fungicide with excellent results.
After 3 days in the paper towel
Cup method about a fourth of my seeds grew moldy :( Maybe I’m misting the paper towels too much. How often did you mist and how moist should the paper towel be? Thank you!
Mist enough to keep moist... if moldy wash seeds and change paper. Warm house will give more mold. Putting the cups in the fridge at night will reduce mold problems.
@@growproteas1148 thank you for your reply!
@@janeenchingcuangco8669 i had some seeds get mold - seems less common if you do it in the winter.
Hi, thanks for your step by step video. For the plastic cup-papertowel method, do you seal the cup ? Or do you frequently add water ?
Cup is open today then air... i spay water in the cup whenever it starts to dry
@@growproteas1148 thank you for your reply 👌
Hi, I'm really fascinated with proreas I actually live quite close to where you ordered these seeds. I was wanting to know if this is the method of germanting seeds for all proteas. Thanks in advance!
yes it has worked for seeds of all protea - so you live on SA? You are lucky to have all the species there! Mimetes hottentoticus is a rare one I can't find...
@@growproteas1148 yes I stay in Cape Town. I am lucky indeed one day you should visit Kirstenbosch Gardens it's truly breathtaking.
@@growproteas1148 I could try to keep an eye out for you, if you'd like.
@@yaseensalie3487 thanks!
@@growproteas1148 I've bought a few protea and a few seeds I have got clay soil in the area I live. I have Protea Cynaroides seeds and a small plant, Protea Repens seeds, Protea Grandiceps seeds, and Leucadendron High gold. I'm worried the soil in my garden is not the right one as it thrives in sandy soil. Could I email you more as I really want these plants to thrive and any information you give me will be greatly appreciated.
Great video chock full of useful information. I am in Merced, CA US and just starting my protea journey. Is there any place in the US to order the smoke seed primer or, do you make your own? Thanks again!
this video goes over my new choice for smoke primer... good luck in Merced! Should do well there... th-cam.com/video/mcJqf8AbGII/w-d-xo.html
Superb video!!
Hi! I am so excited that one of my king protea seeds germinated on April 4th after using your cup-papertowel method for 10 days!!!!! Thank you so much!!! But my 3 Leucospermum cuneiforme seeds all went moldy even I have sprayed fungicide everyday, may it because I didn't treat them with hydroperoxide? I am gonna do H2O2 treatment for the 2 new leucospermum cuneiforme seeds that are the only left to see if they will go better. Thanks again for sharing your detailed instructions for planting proteas.
might get less moldy if you try plastic bag with perlite...
@@growproteas1148 Thanks. Will try this method on my two Leucospermum seeds.
Have you tried the method where you smoke the seeds used actual fire
no I haven't - but smoke water works well
Thanks so much for making this great video and the follow-ups! I'm inspired to try growing some myself but can't seem to find the seeds anywhere. Any advice on where I might find seeds?
You can buy seeds on ebay, fine bush people, silverhill seeds, seeds for africa....
I bought several varieties of leucospermum and leuicodenmdrum on Amazon.
Did you get them to grow?
Rarexoticseeds.com and they are genuine :)
Could u.do.a basic protea types and what they like video? Some.like drought some like wet...some.take.frost some wont take any..and its all confusing
Hi, I have some tiny roots from my protea seeds - only 2. What temperature will they need now please? I am going to sterilise the soil tomorrow morning and plant them in dirt. But at a loss as to what temperature and light level needed. Your help is much appreciated.
Great news! If in the house - i put mine under grow lights - temp 60 evening 70 day time. If it gets too hot they will have trouble when they are this young. I would use the planting mix in the video.
Thank you. Will do that. I will use the same mix, without the pumice as I can't afford it. Thank you so much for your help.
Do you use this method for all of the seeds? I have some leucadendron seeds that I'd like to germinate using this method but they look very different than the ones seen in your video
only the mimetes and leucospermum get the H2O2 - but the smoke treatment wouldn't hurt to help germination..
@@growproteas1148 Thanks!
Thanks for the very informative video. You have inspired me to give it a try. I do have a question on importing seeds from outside US to California. Is there a special permit required? Thanks again!
+Nookway - You do actually need a permit - but if the seeds are sent regular US mail the post office doesn't check. I had some seeds sent DHL mail and they were held up by customs and I had to get a permit to release them. So stick with US mail service.
Bravo! Je cultive en France des Protée avec succès, et n’aimerai en semer . Merci de partager votre expérience
thanks!!!
Germinating the seeds in those plastic cups, where do you put them then.
In a dark or light spot, room temperature?
leucospermum, mimetes and protea were put in the frig at night - banksia don't seem to need it.
Thank You!!!
Hi, thanks for the video, I just bought some seeds in shipping transit. If all goes well, how long from seedling to flowering? How long does the flower blossom last? Where can I buy some seedling or bigger protea plants now, if any available online? Thanks.
Probably 3 years to bloom... flowers last 2-3 weeks... no source online.. would need to go to a nursery... there are many in California that sell them...
Thanks for putting together this wonderful video. It's really great.
I did have a couple of questions:
Do you follow the exact same protocol with protea seeds? How about leucadendrons? Any modifications that you would suggest for those seeds? With the seeds in the cups/perlite, how often did you spray with captan and/or physan? Thanks again!
Yes I followed the same procedure with protea, and leucadendron seeds except that they don't need hydrogen peroxide as there is no cover on the seed. I did use the smoke water although they may not need it. I sprayed with anti-fungal maybe once every 10 days.
Hi! Thanks for your video! So if I decide to use your cup method to help seeds germinate, should I put those cups into refrigerator every night (4 degree C) to make the temperature cool down?
Jiaying Wu yes... every night... could take 3 to 8 weeks to germinate... so patience
@@growproteas1148 Thank you! So I don't need to seal the cup opening? I am living in Miami. I have done research and it seems like few protea lovers can successfully plant them in such a hot and wet place. But I am gonna have a try.
Hi,
Thanks for your video. Finally, for the plastic cup germination method, did you seal the cup ? If no, at which frequency do you humidify paper towel ? Thx
great, where do u get the smoke solution?
You can make it as discussed in the video, or purchase on the internet
@@growproteas1148 😊
at 21 mins into the video you are touching the seeds w your fingers, after all the meticulous care to prevent fungus aren't you afraid this will cause fungus now. Why not just use your the hemostats to touch the seeds . Love your instructions, I purchased the protea suzanne at "Trader Joes" as a cut flower because I loved the unusual shape and it has lasted in my vase for 3 weeks now and is still looking beautiful. Wonderful video , have you ever grown the "Protea Suzannae?
+Martha & Tom Guglielmetti - hello - have not grown Suzannae - beautiful flower though! I usually use the hemostats to handle the seeds - I did not have any problem with fungus - seeds seemed pretty immune - even the seeds that did not have any fungicide grew.
I would use 2 liter pop bottle for their tap roots...and.to sterilize soil i use the bBq after cooking...and a metal pan...but theae seeds.are precious ..hope my Australian.seeds do.as.well
Thanks for making this video
Thanks!
Hey there! Thank you for your wonderful vids. I have been germinating several types of seed (protea, mimetes, leucodendron) according to your method and have had some success so far. My question is, once you transplant the seeds into soil, how often do you water? I'm used to growing agave/aloe/other succulents from seed and keep them pretty moist until they are relatively mature. Is it the same for proteas? One of my P. grandiceps looks like it's struggling, and none of them are growing particularly fast. I have them in a bright west-facing window where they get a couple hours of sunset light and all day indirect light.
I grew mine under lights in the house - watered once to twice per week. The more light the faster they will grow. After 2 mature leaves you could put them outside.
Thank you! They are growing slowly but surely. I'm trying to bridge them to two mature leaves so I can get away without buying a light. I have Protea cynaroides, laurifolia, and grandiceps all growing in soil now. Your videos are incredibly helpful. Enjoy seeing your progress!
@@stephaniepreston9420 im lucky, kinda have homeside advantage as where i stay is on the cape flats in cape town. I use coconut coir and perlite in a 1:1 ratio. Luckily I can buy leucodendron, even leucospermum, proteas and a vast array of natives at any of our local nurseries. I plant the out. Fynbosbhate phospates, so you have to basically plantb it in accidic, nutritionless soil, my garden soil is ideal... Its acidic and sandy... really great living in south africa... can grow anything here.
@@JermaineGertse You're so lucky - show us your P plants!
just paid for my seeds from silverhill, this is going to be my reference guide. may i send you emails for questions? thanks
Jason
yes.... good luck!!!
Thanks for the video, I'm from Chile and last year responsible seeds Protea maginica to South Africa, among others, but it was not me because they rotted and apparently came fungi, my English is very bad, so I wanted to ask some written article that I can suggest to germinate my seeds in the glass. Thanks and hope to see more of your videos. Greetings from Chile
I do too...but they dont grow where i am...well they are not.available...
Usa...u gonna.sell.some.seeds?
U tried thr paper towel method on these?
No I am not selling seeds - paper towel also works -
I think all of the smoke we had in fall from the fires has made the seeds from my leucospermum germinate. I found seedlings at the base of my plant. Anyone else in California see this?
Yep... here I cape town... fynbos seeds can germinate within hours after a fire has burnt out. It really is magical
Kiero comprar cemillas de proteas como me comunico con ustedes
no vendo semillas
We have proteas in my area in SA but it's illegal to remove any plants from protected areas (which where I live is basically everywhere).
they must be for sale everywhere?
@@growproteas1148 They are, you can buy them from the side of the road where I live. It's not that they're illegal to have or grow, its just that taking any plant from a park or reserve is illegal.
Also apologies for the double reply. But one thing to maybe consider (and this hasn't been well documented in research from what I've seen so take it with a grain of salt) but I've actually done the effort before to measure pH of the water of table mountain, so I dragged a digital pH sensor up with me. And the pH and temp of the dams (DeVilliers dam and hutchinson hely dam) and they are fed by (and feed into many of the streams that will directly feed these plants (I was doing a Drosera hilaris grow at the time hence doing it) and what I've found is that on top of table mountain where you get the blackwater streams where many of this fynbos grows (with the blackwater being found both on table mountain and elsewhere, such as Storms river by knysna, which is where the "prime" fynbos grows if I can say that) have a pH of 3.5 and a temp of 12-15 with pH and temp increasing as it flows downward to lowlands, the increase in pH and the colour fading is likely due to tannins being leached out while going downstream, so I'd reckon very freely draining Coco coir with a lot of perlite in it will work a charm to germinate them, also given the fact that it'll greatly reduce the risk of fungal growth, decreasing the need for fungicides. Now bear in mind it's not impossible that the reading was off, and that pH varies with temperature, so I'd err on the safe side with closer to a 4-4.5 pH and still very cold temps. But I'd imagine that would solve a lot of your problems that you could encounter. Happy growing and if you get to try this let me know how it works. I've always found trying to mimic a plants environment as closely as possible is the best way to encourage their growth so hopefully it'll be of some use
I actually tried adding hydrochloric acid to the water of some of the young protea but seems like it wasn't needed as the growth was similar. Peat moss is very acidic and seems to do the job...
@@growproteas1148 hmmm if I made it I wouldn't necessarily use HCl since it's a volatile acid, and very strong (relatively speaking), I feel like the chloride ions could also especially mess with protea nutrient uptake (due to the mechanism they use without nitrogen fixing bacteria)
If necessary to supplement then I'd use citric acid but as you said sandy loam - like Coco coir would be ideal, that is the the coir isn't pH corrected as is often done with normal Coco coir potting soil bought in bags
I also love Senorita protea
awesome
So so pretty
thanks!
thanks your making is good!
You need to be careful when sterlizing soil for plantings as too hot can actuality produce toxins in the soil. To sterilize do not use boinking water! Wet soil (Moist but not sloppy wet) and put in a try (max 4" deep of soil), then cover with tin foil and bake in oven set to 200F. Use a thermometer to supervise baking and bake until internal temp of 180F is reached. Turn off oven and let cool. Depending on size of tray and amount of soil, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours! Keep soil in a fungus free environment! (heavy weight plastic bag or sterilized plastic container. Remember... wash hands and sterilize all tools, pots, etc. too!!
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thanks