Hi, I'm new to the Forum - can your recommend a hands on manual for getting started in seed flasking Cypripedium calceolus. I have a laminar flow bench and some equipment . Is there a good hands on starting manual out there. I have went through some of your old threads and the stuff is GREAT, but the goodies are scattered through many postings . Where can I get the mostly ripe seed pods from? Thanks.

Hi, Raymond, welcome!

The very best articles - there are no books that cover the subject unfortunately - are the 1995 and 1996 articles by Bill Steele. If you want them, send me a private email with your address and I will send you photocopies.

When you say Cyp calceolus, do you mean the European species that is fairly difficult or the American species that is very common in your area that is now Cyp parviflorum but used to be included in Cyp calceolus. Cyp parviflorum's (I said it in plural since there are several subspecies) are very easy compared to Cyp calceolus. I can supply seed to you of either of those species. I will also recommend Cyp reginae, which is also common in your area and which is the very easiest of all Cyp to flask and raise - I have some seed of this species as well that I can share.

Good luck!

Ron Burch

Fantastic...Thanks for the reply.....How do I send you a private e-mail with my e-mail and address in it.....I did buy two books on the subject-How to step by step manual, one from Margret Ramsey from KEW group in England, and the one by Aaron Hicks 144pages, just got these yesterday-they are GREAT....looking forward to the Steele articals and seed stock,,,,most of my lab is set up already, laminar hood is ready to go.: I looked at your previous posts and pictures-nice work.......woohoo:

Yes...forgot,,,The American species...Cyp paviflorum,,,common to my area and reginae sounds great...thanks Raymond

OK,,,,I found the private message link,,,,Thanks, Raymond