One of the joys of joining the BCSS is the annual seed list from which you can buy cactus/succulent seeds for only 20p or 30 per packet.
Like many others I started seed growing by buying a pack of Mixed Cactus Seeds from a garden centre. The results were mixed. I ended up with about 70 plants, but about two thirds of them were the same - Ferocactus horridus (I'm 90% sure because they grew exactly like the ones shown below which came from the BCSS).
I'm fascinated by the development of seeds and at what stage they actually take on the characteristics of the adult plant. Most appear to do so after 3-4 months but you can judge for yourselves below.
All the seedlings on this page came from the BCSS unless otherwise stated.
I'm using this page simply to display various seeds at various stages of development. However, you need to bear a couple of things in mind when viewing the pictures.
a) Most of the plants shown are measured in millimetres (the Ferocactus horidus is the largest at 1cm - 3rd photo). My camerawork is improving but apologies for any slightly out of focus images. Clearly the pictures are not all at the same scale.
b) I started these seeds in a heated propagator last year BEFORE I found out (at a Manchester meeting) the proper techniques of seed growing - e.g. soil sterilisation - so there is some unwanted surface soil mould - carefully scraped off since
c) The 3rd photos are as of now (May 2nd, 2009) so bear in mind that, although I have kept watering over Winter, the seeds have not grown a lot since last September. A fourth photo will be added later this year.
I've been bold in marking those that haven't made it as "Deceased", but you may wish to go to Observations on Seed Growing for possible reasons
The exception that proves the rule. These Astrophytum Ornatum germinated in under 2 days, and were recognisable as such within a week. Here they are 8 weeks old - each about 1 cm tall and displaying 4 ribs and the distinctive spots. In the middle at nine months and on the right at 18 months.
Another Astrophytum Ornatum, but growing quite differently - again about 8 weeks old, and on the right at 9 months
An Astrophytum Otakar-Sladovsky - I'd never heard of this cultivar until the BCSS seed catlalogue arrived so I thought I'd give them a go - 8 weeks old - in the middle at 9 months and on the right 18 months
Astrophytum Asterias Super Kabuteo at 8 weeks and 9 months
Aylostera cajasensis at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months (height 1 cm). Note that the one on the right seems to be offsetting from tips of the tubercules. I'll watch this one.
Echinocereus (Wilcoxia) poselgeri at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 45 weeks
DECEASED
Echinocereus viridiflora at 12 weeks, 15 weeks and 45 weeks
Echinofossulocactus (stenocactus) phyllacanthus - 9 months - a little brown. Kept in shade over-winter and it has now reverted to green (right - at 18 months)
Echinopsis (Trichocereus) coquimbana (from a visiting speaker) at 10 weeks, 14 weeks and 45 weeks
Echinopsis leucantha (from a visiting speaker) at 8 weeks, 45 weeks and 2 years
Echinopsis pugionacantha (from a visiting speaker) at 11 weeks, 14 weeks and 45 weeks
Eriosyce aurata at 3 months
The aforementioned Ferocactus horridus which developed characteristics very early, and was the fastest grower of all these seeds. Here shown at 6 weeks, 45 weeks and 2 years. At 3 years (below) it hasn't grown a lot taller, but has bulked out and the spination is thicker.
Ferocactus latispinus - 9 months
Ferocactus wislizenii - 9 months (these have already produced 4 cm roots)