two cuplike pitcher plant flowers, dark red at the bottom; white with red veins at the top; the leaves are white with red veins. PHOTO CREDIT Robert Sacilotto

How To Grow Pitcher Plant Seeds

Updated on Feb 20, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

Sarracenia, or trumpet pitcher plants, are beautiful, fascinating carnivorous plants native to North America. We are so pleased to offer an exquisite mix of rare, often endangered, seeds from the Botanique nursery in Virginia.

HISTORY

Pitcher plants are indigenous to the semi-tropic areas of the United States. The purpurea variety is native to the far Northwest U.S. and into Canada. Sarracenia will perennialize in zones 6 and warmer. These unique carnivorous plants are rare and often endangered.

USES

  • Pitcher plants can be planted in containers, water gardens, and bog gardens.
Close photo of cylindrical pitcher plant blossoms of dark red and bright green, with pale dry grass in background; the cuplike flowers are filled with clear liquidClose photo of cylindrical pitcher plant blossoms of dark red and bright green, with pale dry grass in background; the cuplike flowers are filled with clear liquid
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Sacilotto

 

  • Moisture stratify seeds before sowing.
  • Refrigerate seeds in a small plastic bag or container in damp sphagnum moss for 4-5 weeks. 
  • Make sure there is plenty of air in the container.
  • After 4 weeks put the container under LED lights and maintain a temperature of 70-80 F.
  • Seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.
5 or 6 cylindrical dark red flowers against distant dark foliage and orange blossoms or leaves5 or 6 cylindrical dark red flowers against distant dark foliage and orange blossoms or leaves
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Sacilotto

 

  • Plant into pots with trays of water under them or plant into a bog garden.
  • Space plants about 12” apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Plants grown from seed can take 4-5 years to flower, but it is worth the wait!
closed red and green pitcher plant flower buds with white spotsclosed red and green pitcher plant flower buds with white spots
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Sacilotto

 

  • Pitcher plants must be pollinated to produce seeds.
  • Once the flower has become brown and crispy the seed pod will begin to turn a light brown as well.
  • Gently break open the dry seed pod and scrape the seeds out.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Dark red pitcher plant flowers on thin pale green stalksDark red pitcher plant flowers on thin pale green stalks
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Sacilotto