Hemiparasitic plants

[Hoy]

Hi, I am looking for seeds of hemiparasites like all Orobanche species and also Melampyrum cristatum, arvense, nemorosum.
Buy or swap.

[Stephen Vella]

I didnt think it was possible to cultivate these plants? Id be interested to hear how you go and what host plants are suitable. I have seen them in Greece, very peculiar with bizarre colours

[Hoy]

Well, I want to try! If they manage to seed themselves in the nature I believe it is possible in a garden too.
I intend to sow them alongside fitting hosts and wish for the best!

You will never know if you don't try!

[Brian Ellis]

In the past Witton Lane Seeds have had Orobanche hederae for sale.  It may be worth asking them if they have anything, I'll send you a pm.

[Gail]

Orobanche hederae flowering today in my garden. Grown from AGS seed - well, very little effort involved, I just sprinkled the seed around the ivy roots.
If it sets seed you are welcome to it Hoy.

[Excelsior]

When it comes to Melampyrum species, some of them need woodies as host, like heather. Others needs grasses or herbs. If I remember correct, M. cristatum needs newly germinated grasses or herbs. Established hosts is no good. I've tried it  This adaptation made these species severe pest in former agriculture, where they managed to set seed before the harvest. If you got some quantities of seeds, you can give some of the seeds to the soil nesting ants who carry the seeds with them, as they use the elaiosom as food for the larvae.

[Stephen Vella]

yes your right Hoy, keep us posted on how you go. Yes I do remember Orobanche a host of Ivy.

[Stephen Vella]

Hoy look at what I have found at work..and a mysterious find. We dont know how it got here. Completly differant hemisphere...It either hitched a ride from a potted plant or something that was encouraged. So it can be done  Will have to collect some seed.

[annew]

I will have plenty of Orobanche hederae seeds, I will happily send you some. It is easy to grow and can flower here in its second year from sowing the seeds. I have noticed it in neighbour's gardens too!