The soil mix is very controversial. We like a combination of native loam soil at about 80% mixed with 20% sphagnum. Add some grit if desired. We prefer sowing 1 kind per 1 pot, and not to sow many kinds in a common flat, as they can have very different watering and temperature needs. Scatter the seeds on your soil surface, and then sprinkle a tiny bit more soil over the seeds to barely cover them. Then over this we like to cover the top surface with a thin layer of sandblasting grit. The grit we use is about 1 mm in diameter and we prefer to use a dark opaque color. Put the pots into a shallow box for germination. You can use spare household equipment from the kitchen or build some from wood. We put side walls about 8 inches high on a sheet of plywood. Over this box I like to cover it with nylon window screen that is available at most lumber or hardware stores. During germination the cover remains on the box, you can mist through the screen and light and air passes readily. For the first several days you can mist several times daily to keep the pots moist. After a week the number of times to mist can be reduced to once or twice daily. Once the pots start to sprout you can remove them from this area and place them where there is not as much misting or humidity.You can put the box in your greenhouse, or on a sunny windowsill area, or indoors under lights. We do a lot of germination with the boxes outdoors under a layer of shade cloth. The natural sunlight and heating is wonderful, and rainfall is the best germinator of all. Naturally if heavy rain is expected precautions will need to be taken. Make sure your box has plenty of drain holes so water can not pond.

The Botanical Archive Team wish you good luck!