Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Woodland Strawberry


Fragaria Vesca "Wild form" (Alpine/ Woodland Strawberry)

Here we talk about Fragaria Vesca - Alpine/Woodland Strawberry- You can purchase Fragaria Vesca - Alpine /Woodland Strawberry though our website www.seedbloc.com or our eBay store by clicking on the link provided.

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Also known as woodland strawberry, this wild variety of strawberry can be found growing widely throughout the northern hemisphere. Archaeological records indicate that the berries have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. The fruits tend to be smaller than cultivated strawberries, but they have a superior taste and texture. They are ideal for making jams and liquors. Woodland strawberry is a perennial with a long fruiting period. Fruits can begin as early as June and can continue forming as late as the end of October. The berries are a source of antioxidants and vitamin C. The leaves, stems and flowers have also been a traditional remedy for stomach ailments and diarrhea. Just be sure to cover your plants with netting or you are likely to lose them all to sneaky birds and rabbits.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Acacia Maidenii - Maiden's Wattle


Also known as maiden's wattle, acacia maidenii is one of the more popular acacia species although it is becoming increasingly scarce in the wild. Native to Austrailia, the acacia maidenii - maiden's wattle, perennial evergreen can be found growing at the edges of rainforests. Reaching 20-50 feet, acacia maidenii - maiden's wattle, forms a dense canopy of phyllodes with golden blooms. This fast-growing tree is hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoys full sun to partial shade. A well-draining soil is required. In its first years, the soil should be kept fairly moist. However, Visit My eBay Store: SeedBlocacacia maidenii is somewhat drought-tolerant with age.

Would you like to purchase Acacia Maidenii - maiden's wattle? Go to www.seedbloc.com to purchase these seeds and while your there, check out our other seed varieties.

Friday, August 7, 2009

How to Grow a Carnegiea Gigantea - Giant Saguaro Cactus


Here we go in depth on how to grow a Giant Saguaro also known as, Carnegiea Gigantea. You can find the Giant Saguaro for purchase at SeedBloc.com or at my eBay store
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Growing Information:

Seeds should be germinated in a fine sandy soil at about 70-75 degrees. A commercial potting mix with the larger material strained out is ideal. Flatten out the soil and then put a thin layer of loose soil above it. Sow the seeds on the surface and press in very lightly. They need light to germinate. Mist the soil to keep it moist and cover with clear plastic. Ideally, the covering should not be flat across the top because it will cause the water to drip back on the young seedlings, which sometimes causes rot. Something like a sandwich bag often makes a better “tent” because the water will run down the sides more easily. The soil should not be allowed to dry out while the plants are seedlings. Use a mister if the soil does get dry. Place the seedlings on a heat mat (ideally) and in bright light. Placing the seeds just a few inches from fluorescent lights is ideal for starting seedlings, although natural light will work too. Note that using a heat mat will cause more evaporation, which may require more attention. Be sure to air out the seedlings once a day for best results.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009


Trichocereus Bridgesii- San Pedro Cactus- 20 seed pack!

Purchase the Trichocereus Bridgesii- San Pedro Cactus here at seedbloc.com

We also sell on eBay. Visit My eBay Store: SeedBloc

We sell an assortment of exotic seeds including: Carnegiea Gigantea (Giant Saguaro), Astrophytum Asterias "Super Kabuto".

Each lot includes 20 T. bridgesii seeds. Trichocereus bridgesii, also classified as Echinopsis lageniformis, is a bluish-green columnar cactus native to Boliva, which is also where these seeds are from. It resembles the more common San Pedro cactus (T. pachanoi) but typically has fewer, wider ribs and longer spines. In fact, many references to San Pedro in Bolivia are believed to actually be referring to bridgesii rather than pachanoi. This cactus has gained much popularity among cactus collectors in recent years. Like pachanoi, it has huge, white blooms that make it an attractive andscaping cactus. It grows a little bit slower than pachanoi but is still a rapid grower, making it one of several trichocereus species that work well as a grafting stock for slower-growing cacti such as astrophytum and ariocarpus. It can reach fifteen feet in height and tends to produce offsets rather easily. T. bridgesii is also easy to grow from seed, but its seedlings are more prone to turning purple than many other trichocereus species when exposed to sunlight. When this occurs, be sure to reduce their exposure. It is hardy to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and should only be watered during active growth when the soil has dried out. During the winter in areas where temperatures are too cold, plants should be brought inside where they will go dormant (stop growing). Prior to entering dormancy (late September-early October), watering should be slowly reduced until it reaches none. Plants should be brought indoors and stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Since it is not growiing, it does not require any of these essentials. When breaking dormancy, a reverse process can be applied. This will ensure nice, even growth to your cacti and reduce the chance of infection due to overwatering when the cactus’s immune system is at rest.



Growing Information:

Seeds should be germinated in a fine sandy soil at about 70-75 degrees. A commercial potting mix with the larger material strained out is ideal. Flatten out the soil and then put a thin layer of loose soil above it. Sow the seeds on the surface and press in very lightly. They need light to germinate. Mist the soil to keep it moist and cover with clear plastic. Ideally, the covering should not be flat across the top because it will cause the water to drip back on the young seedlings, which sometimes causes rot. Something like a sandwich bag often makes a better “tent” because the water will run down the sides more easily. The soil should not be allowed to dry out while the plants are seedlings. Use a mister if the soil does get dry. Place the seedlings on a heat mat (ideally) and in bright light. Placing the seeds just a few inches from fluorescent lights is ideal for starting seedlings, although natural light will work too. Note that using a heat mat will cause more evaporation, which may require more attention. Be sure to air out the seedlings once a day for best results.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Coffea Racemosa- The Forgotten Coffee Bean?



Coffea Racemosa is one of the less-talked-about species although it has a reputation among coffee bean growers for having excellent quality coffee beans. This bushy species from southern Africa branches readily and is an abundant producer. However, it remains rather short compared to other coffee bean species. Outdoors it can reach from six to ten feet, but may also be grown as a houseplant similar to other coffee bean varieties.

At SeedBloc.com we sell varieties of coffee bean seeds including the coffea racemosa featured in this post. Others coffee bean varieties include: coffea arabica and coffea kona.

Growing Information:



Sow your seeds about ½ an inch below the surface of soil and keep it lightly moist. Too much moisture will cause the seeds to rot. Potting soil with some perlite added in for drainage will or it can be mixed with sand and compost. Germination can take a while, so you may choose to cover your planted seeds with clear plastic to keep in moisture. Otherwise, you will have to mist the soil when it is at risk of drying out completely. Another option is sow your seeds in a sealable container or sandwich bag filled with either moist sand or the same soil mixture you will use to grow your plants. The advantage of using sand is that it is less likely to cause rot, but if your moisture level is correct that shouldn't be a big concern. Check periodically to see when your seeds have sprouted. When you see a root popping out from the seed coat, plant the seed level with the soil in its own container with root facing down. The advantages of this method is that it saves space while the seeds are waiting to germinate and it allows you to position the seed in the exact direction it should be growing. Be sure that the seed is not packed too tightly so that it can rise easily out of the soil as it grows. The seedling is still at risk of rotting until the seed coat is off, so be sure not to over water. The seed has is a papery outer layer and a hard shell underneath, which you may need to gently assist with the removal of if it is not coming off. In warm climates, plants can be safely transplanted outdoors in a semi-shaded location after they are about 18. Indoors, simply keep it near your window (preferably south, east or west). Feed the plants every two weeks from spring through fall and once a month during the winter with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ideal humidity is around 50%, but is not essential.

You may also purchase this product on our eBay store by clicking on the link provided.
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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Argyreia Nervosa-Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Seeds


We added a new product to our eBay website known as Argyreia NervosaHawaiian Baby Woodrose.

We also have added the product to our e-commerce website seedbloc.com


More commonly known as Hawaiian Baby Woodrose or elephant creeper, this perennial flowering vine is in the same family as morning glory (Convolvulaceae) and has similar characteristics. The name Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is said to be derived from the appearance of the seed pods which look like little wooden roses. Its leaves are heart-shaped and its trumpet-shaped flowers are white with deep purple throats. This species is not to be confused with Hawaiian Woodrose, which is another plant entirely. A. Nervosa is said to originate in Asia (Bangladesh) despite the plants more popular association with Hawaii. A. nervosa plants are slow-growing at first but will grow rapidly after reaching about twelve inches and can easily reach thirty feet with maturity. Since A. Nerovsa is a vine, it will need structure to climb and is especially useful in providing floral decor for fences, mailbox and trellis. These plants can be grown outdoors all year round where temperatures do not freeze or be put in pots and be brought indoors for the winter elsewhere. Cuttings can also be taken by layering. The roots, leaves and seeds were used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of purposes including, purification, nervous system support, joint health and sexual arousal. Despite traditional use in India, the seeds should not be used in the United States because they contain compounds that are illegal to ingest. Given its Asian origin, this plant does not appear to have been a part of South American shamanic traditions as some sources indicate. However, it is now cultivated tropical America. These seeds are from ghana.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Reed Canary Grass


Reed Canary Grass(Phalaris arundinacea) is a tall, perennial grass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America.

The stems can reach 2.5 m in height. The leaf blades are blue-green when fresh and straw-colored when dry. The flowers are borne on the stem high above the leaves and are pinkish at full bloom.

A number of cultivars of P. arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)have been selected for use as orinmential plants, including variegated (striped) cultivars – sometimes called ribbon grass – such as Dwarfs Garters and Strawberries and Cream. The latter gets its name from the large white stripes and pinkish color that appears on the leaves at varying times. When grown, although drought tolerant, it likes abundant water and can even be grown as an aquatic plant.

In many places, reed canary grass is an invasive species in wetlands, particularly in disturbed areas. When reed canarygrass invades a wetland, it suppresses native vegetation and reduces diversity. The grass propagates by seed and rhizome, and once established, is difficult to eradicate.

Reed canary grass is also planted as a hay crop or for forage. Furthermore it provides fibers which find use in pulp and papermaking processes.

If you would like to purchase Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacea). Visit my eBay store by clicking on the link below.

Click here for Reed Canary Grass

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Lactuca Virosa--- Wild Lettuce


Lactuca Virosa Wild Lettuce

If you have encountered this plant, you know that it does not have the wateriness of its domesticated cousin, and its chemical relationship to other strongly Saturn plants like henbane indicates a Saturn association, especially when you consider the insignificant flowers. Consider it as an incense aid for divination, especially when working with darker deities.
This herb contains the tropane hyoscyamine, much as the nightshades do, but Lactucarium, an Eclectic preparation from this herb, is a sedating bitter that contains no hyoscyamine. Its dried sap looks, tastes, and smells similar to opium (more Moon here) and so has been used to adulterate opium in the past, which probably partially accounts for its name. This plant is also known as Strong-scented Lettuce, Lettuce Opium, Laitue vireuse, and Acrid Lettuce.

Looking to buy an exotic seed pack of Lactuca Virosa, Wild Lettuce go to my eBay store by clicking at the link below. Thank you.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Astrophytum Asterias "Super Kabuto"


The Astrophytum asterias is a popular spineless cactus. In the wild it is almost extinct, mostly due to habitat destruction. In the wild it decreases in size when lacking water and might be covered with dust during the dry season. The rain makes it swell and washes it, making it ready to enjoy the sunlight.
'Super Kabuto' is a Japanese cultivar with extremely abundant flecking.

I sell Astrophytum Asterias "Super Kabuto" on eBay. Check out Astrophytum Asterias "Super Kabuto" and other exotic seeds in my eBay store. Buy a 15 seed pack today!
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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Trichocereus Peruvianus - Peruvian Torch Cactus


Peruvian Torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana syn. Trichocereus peruvianus) is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the western slope of the Andes in Peru, between about 2000-3000 meters above sea level.

The plant is bluish-green in colour, with frosted stems, and 6-8 broadly rounded ribs; it has large, white flowers. It can grow up to 7 meters tall, with stems up to 20 cm in diameter; it is fully erect to begin with, but later possibly arching over, or even becoming prostrate. Groups of 6-8 honey-coloured to brown rigid spines, up to 4 cm in length, with most about 1 cm, are located at the nodes, which are evenly spaced along the ribs, up to approximately 2.5 cm apart.

A short-spined variant which is nearly identical in appearance to its relative, Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro cactus), is known. It is therefore possible that many misidentified plants are being sold (both as Peruvian Torch and as San Pedro), but since local variations as well as hybrids do exist (both cultivated and natural), this will obviously make proper identification difficult.

Want to purchase a 20 seed pack of Trichocereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Torch Cactus)? Click on the link below to my eBay store. Go to my eBay store for more varieties of exotic seeds.

Click Here Ebay item Trichocereus Peruvianus 20SeedPack

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Mimosa Pudica --100 Seed Pack--



I'm selling a 100 seed pack of Mimosa Pudica.

Description:

Mimosa pudica or Sensitive Plant, a native of Tropical America, is a fun plant to grow. When we have tours of school children, their favorite plant is the Sensitive Plant. The leaves fold up when touched. If touched with a bit more force, the petioles will also bend at their pulvinis and the leaves droop. These movements are called seismonastic movements (reaction to physical shock). At night, the leaves will also fold and bend in movements known as nyctonastic movements (reaction to absence of light).

Check out the eBay listing here:Ebay item- Mimosa Pudica-- 100 Seed Pack--

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