Webbed Goblets and Chalices Pitcher Plant Seeds
Carnivorous Plant Devours Insects!
Nodding flowers top the chalice-shaped foliage!
- Genus: Sarracenia
- Variety: 'Webbed Goblets and Chalices Mix'
- Item Form: (P) Pkt of 10 seeds
- Zone: 5 - 8
- Bloom Start to End: Mid Spring - Mid Summer
- Habit: Upright
- Seeds Per Pack: 10
- Plant Height: 15 in - 24 in
- Plant Width: 8 in - 12 in
- Additional Characteristics: Easy Care Plants, Flower, Pest Fighter, Variegated
- Bloom Color: Mix
- Foliage Color: Bronze, Bronze Green, Brown, Burgundy, Chartreuse, Gold, Light Green, Medium Green, Mix, Olive Green, Purple, Variegated, Yellow
- Light Requirements: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained, Wet
- Resistance: Cold Hardy, Deer Resistance, Disease Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Humidity Tolerant, Pest Resistant
- Soil Tolerance: Clay, Normal, loamy, Poor, Sandy
- Uses: Border, Foliage Interest, Outdoor, Wildflowers
- show more
We are amazed and delighted to be able to offer this exciting mix! Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia species) are perennials that may remind you a bit of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, with long, slender leaves that curl into a chalice shape and often have a "hood" or "lid," either over the top or arching outwards. They are beautiful in all shades of yellow, crimson, purple, lime green, and near-black. And they are also deadly, if you happen to be a noxious insect!
Here's how this carnivorous plant works: the curled foliage holds water from rainfall and sprinklers in its base. The sides are naturally very slippery. The leaves release a sweet nectar aroma that certain insects cannot resist. They march in, slide down the slick leaves, and meet their doom in the standing water! Isn't Nature incredible?
And there is so much more to Pitcher Plants than the novelty of their dining habits. These perennials are magnificently beautiful, with contrasting veins, elegant arching and sinuous forms, and even nodding blooms (think Fritillaria or Helleborus) on long stems held well above the leaves! Not all of the foliage forms pitchers -- some of it remains open to take advantage of photosynthesis. Often you will see outer leaves held wide like ears on the sides of the plant!
This mix is incredibly varied, and if you and your neighbor each sow all the seeds, chances are you will have somewhat different looking results! The size range we give for these plants it deliberately broad, for there is no telling what particular varieties you will be growing. We only know that you will be awed by them!
You might think that a wildflower such as Pitcher Plant would thrive in a wide range of settings, but it's actually fairly particular about its soil and moisture. The rule of thumb is "wet feet, dry ankles." This means that while this perennial thrives in boggy conditions, it also appreciates dry topsoil. Mulch it in well, keep the surface of the soil dry to normally moist, but make sure there is plenty of water beneath the soil line. For most of us with poor soil drainage, this is a godsend!
Pitcher Plants thrive in full sun to part shade, depending on species and climate. They need acidic soil, and will spread by rhizomes over time. The young plants and new spring foliage are often bright red, and may take a season or two to reach carnivorous size.
There are many species in this mix, most of them North American natives. Here are a few to look for:
S. alata - Known as the Texas Pitcher or the Pale Pitcher Plant, this southern U.S. native offers tall, slender, pastel-toned pitchers (often with spidery maroon veins on the interior) with neat "lids." The blooms often appear before the new growth in early spring, and tend to sport cream to pale yellow petals, held downward on long, slender stems.
S. leucophylla - The Crimson Pitcher Plant is native to the southeastern United States, found in the piney woods. The foliage is light green with the top few inches a mass of mottled freckles of dark purple and white. The flowers are a russet shade of red, nearly mahogany, and quite showy in spring.
S. flava - Another native species, Yellow Trumpet Pitcher Plant is a fabulous bright shade of lime to chartreuse, topped by yellow blooms in spring.
S. purpurea - Distributed widely throughout the U.S. and Canada, this cold-hardier Pitcher Plant is also known as Side-saddle Flower. It looks a little different from some of the others, being much shorter, with wider leaves. And although it still forms a shallow cup that traps insects, many of the leaves are open to take advantage of photosynthesis. The overall color is reddish purple, quite hairy and rough, with brilliant bright red to purple blooms on wiry maroon stems held above the plant and downturned, as if parachuting toward the rosette of foliage. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer, depending upon how far north the plant is grown.
Pitcher Plant seed is not the easiest you will ever sow, but it's fun and distinctively different. Sow the seeds from mid- to late winter in peat or sphagnum moss pots. (You may want to mix in some grit to improve the air circulation before sowing.) to try. Place the seeds on the top of the mix, because they need light to germinate, and let the pot sit in chlorine-free water, such as rainwater collected from your garden or even bottled distilled water. Place a screen or other protective covering over the pot, or set it in a Easy Tunnel, coldframe, or greenhouse. Germination will occur in early summer.
Once the seedlings have about 5 leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into a larger pot, a terrarium, or other temporary home. They need and love light at this stage, and if you have grow lights or kitchen fluorescents, go ahead and set them beneath the light, giving them up to 16 hours a day.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden in spring when they are showing good growth. They will colonize where they are happy into large, breathtaking plantings! Enjoy this lifetime perennial! Zones 5-8.
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.
We are amazed and delighted to be able to offer this exciting mix! Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia species) are perennials that may remind you a bit of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, with long, slender leaves that curl into a chalice shape and often have a "hood" or "lid," either over the top or arching outwards. They are beautiful in all shades of yellow, crimson, purple, lime green, and near-black. And they are also deadly, if you happen to be a noxious insect!
Here's how this carnivorous plant works: the curled foliage holds water from rainfall and sprinklers in its base. The sides are naturally very slippery. The leaves release a sweet nectar aroma that certain insects cannot resist. They march in, slide down the slick leaves, and meet their doom in the standing water! Isn't Nature incredible?
And there is so much more to Pitcher Plants than the novelty of their dining habits. These perennials are magnificently beautiful, with contrasting veins, elegant arching and sinuous forms, and even nodding blooms (think Fritillaria or Helleborus) on long stems held well above the leaves! Not all of the foliage forms pitchers -- some of it remains open to take advantage of photosynthesis. Often you will see outer leaves held wide like ears on the sides of the plant!
This mix is incredibly varied, and if you and your neighbor each sow all the seeds, chances are you will have somewhat different looking results! The size range we give for these plants it deliberately broad, for there is no telling what particular varieties you will be growing. We only know that you will be awed by them!
You might think that a wildflower such as Pitcher Plant would thrive in a wide range of settings, but it's actually fairly particular about its soil and moisture. The rule of thumb is "wet feet, dry ankles." This means that while this perennial thrives in boggy conditions, it also appreciates dry topsoil. Mulch it in well, keep the surface of the soil dry to normally moist, but make sure there is plenty of water beneath the soil line. For most of us with poor soil drainage, this is a godsend!
Pitcher Plants thrive in full sun to part shade, depending on species and climate. They need acidic soil, and will spread by rhizomes over time. The young plants and new spring foliage are often bright red, and may take a season or two to reach carnivorous size.
There are many species in this mix, most of them North American natives. Here are a few to look for:
S. alata - Known as the Texas Pitcher or the Pale Pitcher Plant, this southern U.S. native offers tall, slender, pastel-toned pitchers (often with spidery maroon veins on the interior) with neat "lids." The blooms often appear before the new growth in early spring, and tend to sport cream to pale yellow petals, held downward on long, slender stems.
S. leucophylla - The Crimson Pitcher Plant is native to the southeastern United States, found in the piney woods. The foliage is light green with the top few inches a mass of mottled freckles of dark purple and white. The flowers are a russet shade of red, nearly mahogany, and quite showy in spring.
S. flava - Another native species, Yellow Trumpet Pitcher Plant is a fabulous bright shade of lime to chartreuse, topped by yellow blooms in spring.
S. purpurea - Distributed widely throughout the U.S. and Canada, this cold-hardier Pitcher Plant is also known as Side-saddle Flower. It looks a little different from some of the others, being much shorter, with wider leaves. And although it still forms a shallow cup that traps insects, many of the leaves are open to take advantage of photosynthesis. The overall color is reddish purple, quite hairy and rough, with brilliant bright red to purple blooms on wiry maroon stems held above the plant and downturned, as if parachuting toward the rosette of foliage. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer, depending upon how far north the plant is grown.
Pitcher Plant seed is not the easiest you will ever sow, but it's fun and distinctively different. Sow the seeds from mid- to late winter in peat or sphagnum moss pots. (You may want to mix in some grit to improve the air circulation before sowing.) to try. Place the seeds on the top of the mix, because they need light to germinate, and let the pot sit in chlorine-free water, such as rainwater collected from your garden or even bottled distilled water. Place a screen or other protective covering over the pot, or set it in a Easy Tunnel, coldframe, or greenhouse. Germination will occur in early summer.
Once the seedlings have about 5 leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into a larger pot, a terrarium, or other temporary home. They need and love light at this stage, and if you have grow lights or kitchen fluorescents, go ahead and set them beneath the light, giving them up to 16 hours a day.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden in spring when they are showing good growth. They will colonize where they are happy into large, breathtaking plantings! Enjoy this lifetime perennial! Zones 5-8.
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.