Question
I am ordering some seeds for Drosera binate dichonata "Triffida", which are supposed to be the only fork-leaf sundews that act like weeds and are very prolific, like a capensis, and I've read that all binata's but multifida extrema are hardy down to 15 degrees F, but do not need a stratification period, so would it be good to start them outdoors, and have them inside for the winter because it's kind of late, so that they have a few extra months of sun to build up supplies?

I'm getting them from California Carnivores.
John

Answer
Hi John,

I looked at their description of this plant, and it sounds like the New Zealand T-Form.  They are as prolific in collections as D. filiformis and D. intermedia.  We have them pop up from time to time from seed that comes in on plants we purchase.

Since you're in Eastern Washington, it is best to start them indoors.  They will probably grow to a certain point, then go dormant.  You can move them outside in the spring.  It would be beneficial to start some outside next spring too, to see if they can adapt to your climate.

He says hardy down to 15 degrees, but that is probably in a large container or bog garden.  In smaller pots make the assumption that they are only hardy to about 20 for short periods.  I've had the true D. binata dichotoma (Giant Staghorn Sundew) in pots outside here in Western Oregon, and they will tolerate down to low 20's for short times, but they will not make it in one of our Arctic spells where the temperature is in the teens.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com