Cypripedium montanum
(also known as Large lady’s slipper, White lady’s slipper, Moccasin flower, Mountain ladyslipper)
zones 2-6
500+ seeds
Orchids in Idaho?? Yep. There are species from nine different genera found in Idaho. Mountain Lady’s Slipper is from the Cypripedium genus and has showy flowers (May-June) that are smaller and more numerous than other species in the genus. It is the most common of the lady’s slipper orchids native to Idaho, but remains a rare sight due to its fickle germination requirements, the long period needed to reach maturity, and hikers’ tendency to pluck the pretty flowers. They are well worth any attempt to cultivate.
A note on orchid seeds: Orchid seed falls into the category known as “dust seeds” because, well, the seeds look like dust. Orchid seeds are notoriously difficult to germinate. Be sure to do your research before attempting them.
The seed I sell here is available in limited quantities because I don’t always find orchids in seed. When I do, I hand gather carefully and selectively catching as much of the seed as possible.
These seeds are hard to find in retail markets because the plants are rare and the seeds themselves are difficult to process. I offer them in good faith here to the orchid fans who wish to attempt growing orchids from seed. And I invite you to share your successes with me!
Mountain Lady’s Slipper, like all orchids, is notoriously difficult to grow outside of where it chooses to appear. Seeds are tiny and slow to germinate. Growth requirements are highly selective and often depend on specific fungal relationships.
Should you accept the challenge, we recommend mixing the contents of the seed packet with a small amount of sand or sawdust. Sprinkle the seed over an acidic, peaty soil in a promising location (shady and wet, but not boggy!) where the plants will not need to be moved. Germination and growth are very slow, so be patient!
Cypripedium montanum
(also known as Large lady’s slipper, White lady’s slipper, Moccasin flower, Mountain ladyslipper)
zones 2-6
500+ seeds
Orchids in Idaho?? Yep. There are species from nine different genera found in Idaho. Mountain Lady’s Slipper is from the Cypripedium genus and has showy flowers (May-June) that are smaller and more numerous than other species in the genus. It is the most common of the lady’s slipper orchids native to Idaho, but remains a rare sight due to its fickle germination requirements, the long period needed to reach maturity, and hikers’ tendency to pluck the pretty flowers. They are well worth any attempt to cultivate.
A note on orchid seeds: Orchid seed falls into the category known as “dust seeds” because, well, the seeds look like dust. Orchid seeds are notoriously difficult to germinate. Be sure to do your research before attempting them.
The seed I sell here is available in limited quantities because I don’t always find orchids in seed. When I do, I hand gather carefully and selectively catching as much of the seed as possible.
These seeds are hard to find in retail markets because the plants are rare and the seeds themselves are difficult to process. I offer them in good faith here to the orchid fans who wish to attempt growing orchids from seed. And I invite you to share your successes with me!
Mountain Lady’s Slipper, like all orchids, is notoriously difficult to grow outside of where it chooses to appear. Seeds are tiny and slow to germinate. Growth requirements are highly selective and often depend on specific fungal relationships.
Should you accept the challenge, we recommend mixing the contents of the seed packet with a small amount of sand or sawdust. Sprinkle the seed over an acidic, peaty soil in a promising location (shady and wet, but not boggy!) where the plants will not need to be moved. Germination and growth are very slow, so be patient!
