Helicodiceros musciverus

Germination

Sow indoors in late winter-early spring. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 15°C. Germination takes from 4 weeks, but can be erratic and take up to 6 months. Soil must be moist at all times until germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has past.

Growing

Prefers a humus-rich, well-drained soil that dries out in summer. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial sun. Protect with a dry winter mulch. Grows well in sheltered woodland or at the base of a sunny wall. Consider the smell of the flowers, and the attraction of many flies, when choosing a suitable site.

Cultivation

No pruning required. Propagate by offsets in spring or autumn.