Many species of Byblis, like many plants from Australia (and South Africa) are native to areas that see frequent brush fires. These fires sweep through a region every year to every few years, burning all the above-ground vegetation and exposing everything to heat and karrikinolides (which are formed by the combustion of plant material including celluose). The combination of these two things has a positive effect on seed germination for many plants of these regions, including Byblis.
Traditionally, carnivorous plant growers have been using a "smoke" method, like that shown in the video above, to stimulate germination for many species requiring heat/karrikinolide treatment. The problem with this method is that it does not always work. Sometimes, seeds get too hot and bake. Other times, the effect is not strong enough and the seeds do not get enough exposure to be induced to germinate. As a consequence, growers have long been looking for other methods to stimulate growth.
Gibberellic acid (a.k.a. GA3)
Since the early 1990s, growers have turned to Gibberellic acid (GA3) to induce germination. (Later, a technique utilizing 1 part bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to 10 parts water was developed). The issue with GA3 and bleach is that the chemicals are dangerous (particularly GA3) and it is easy to over do it and dissolve the seeds.
The result of trial and error with various treatments and personal ancedotes regarding seed viability has led many growers to accept a germination rate of around 40% or lower (according to the online forums I searched). Thankfully, recently it was discovered that karrikinolide stimulated germination and karrikinolide treatments have been manufactured. (These are often known as "smoke water" or "smoky water").
One of those karrikinoide treatments can be obtained from Wildflowers of Australia. Another version can be obtained from Cape Seed. (I'm not sure if there is a real difference between the two versions. I ordered the Australian one and am currently awaiting delivery).
Byblis gigantea seeds
Based upon his experimental research, Adam Cross has found that, for species from southwestern Australia (B. gigantea, B. lamellata) a.k.a the "perennial" species, germination will be highest at 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 - 20 Celsius) after a period of moist, warm stratification near 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) for 4 - 12 weeks after being exposed to karrikinolide. (These seeds should be kept in darkness during stratification).
For species from northern Australia (B. aquatica, B. filifolia, B. guehoi, B. liniflora, B. pilbarana, B. rorida) a.k.a. the "annual" species, germination will be highest at 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) after a period of moist, cold stratification near 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) after being exposed to karrikinolide. (These seeds should also be kept in darkness during stratification).
This treatment should result in 80 - 100% germination rates, depending on the age of the seed. For more about this genus, feel free to pick up a copy of Cultivating Carnivorous Plants as well as search this blog for more posts.
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