GIANT HOODED PITCHER Sarracenia minor okeefenokee
This is probably the largest of the Pitcher Plants, with enormous hooded pitchers reaching up to 4' tall! These plants grow native in the Okedenokee Swamp in Georgia (US), and can be grown outdoors in other locations in zones 8 and 9. These pitcher plants also grow very well in pots and planters, indoor or out. The pitchers take on a bronze hue when grown in a sunny location. These plants require nutrient-free soil, a 50% peat moss and 50% perlite blend is ideal. Do not use potting mix or fertilizer. Keep the soil moist at all times, using rain water or bottled water, as they dislike municipal treated water. If planting outdoors, provide a location with constant moisture.
Height: Up to 48" in an ideal location, 4 feet
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 8-9, or grow in pots/planters and bring indoors in the winter
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: As with many perennials, these benefit from a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cool 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Fill the container sphagnum peat moss, or a mix that contains mainly peat moss. Place the seeds on the surface of the pre-dampened mix, and gently water with a spray bottle. Cover with clear plastic, and place your container in a cool area (but not freezing) for 6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature, and in bright light for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Most seedlings will sprout within 2-3 months of the warming period, though some may take a little longer. Once plants sprout, slowly remove the plastic, a little bit each day. Always keep the soil slightly moist, never letting it dry out.
In the winter, plants need about 3 months dormancy period, to rest. If growing your plants indoors, place the pot in a cool location for this cold period.
