Hoodia gordonii, packet of 5 seeds, Organic
$4.95
Family: Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)
Hardy to Zones 9 to 13, otherwise grown in pots and brought in for the winter
Succulent perennial herb native to Southwestern Africa. Seed grown here in the USA (the plant is CITES listed). Grows to ~18 inches tall and forms clumps up to a foot wide. Traditional use: The herb is used by native peoples of the Kalahari during times of famine as a harmless appetite suppressant. Plant prefers full sun to part shade, dryish soils and truly does best in pots. Germination is relatively easy. Use standard cactus mix in a propagation flat or gallon pot. Lay the seeds on the surface of the mix and cover sparingly with coarse, sharp sand. Keep moist, in the light, and provide heat by means of solar greenhouse, sunlight and/or bottom heat at 80 degrees F. Hoodia makes a fine indoor plant and may be left in small pots in a light window. They thrive on minimal water.
5 seeds per packet, certified organically grown
A few other facts/bits of advice on hoodia:
- How to make them flower: I was a bit miffed when in June someone absolutely soaked my potted hoodias in the greenhouse, but the joke was on me, this caused them to flower gloriously!
- Another way to successfully plant the seeds: Plant on surface of soil and cover with 1/4 inch of sand mixed with a little coir. Water the flat twice daily–a higher moisture content is important for good germination. Once the seedlings are up (3 to 5 days) back off on the watering, to prohibit damping off.
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Tristan (verified owner) –
I followed the description steps but I added plastic wrap with rubber bands over the top of the pot to hold in the moisture with no airflow, similar to how you would with peyote in peat moss. The seeds started sprouting 2 days after seeding and then every day after. 5 seeds planted total. The outdoor temp has been around 80-90 F. It is nice seeing sprouts so quick. This is the go-to low budget method for success with a variety of plants.
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jasperdshide (verified owner) –
Every seed sprouted within three days of planting, and I’ve found the seedlings to be remarkably resilient in terms of tolerating over- and underwatering (not that I’d recommend either!)
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Eddie Spohn (verified owner) –
Seeds germinated in two days in plastic baggies placed on a heat mat set for 80 degrees Fahrenheit. All of them sprouted, not a dud in the bunch. That’s impressive in a natural product like seeds. Much respect, Richo, and thanks for helping me add another cool plant to my collection.
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