Topic: Sowing wild orchids?

[Jayb]

In June, this little orchid popped up in the garden in a spot left to go wild    I'm not sure what sort it is, seems very similar to common spotted orchid, but no spots on leaves?
I'd like to try and sow some of the seeds to increase numbers, but I've no experience of growing them. What's the best way to go about sowing them and growing them on? Or is it best to leave it to nature?

[Unwashed]

My guess would be Early Marsh Orchid.  Here's a site that describes attempts to germinate a similar species.  Other than them having specific soil and site requirements they also appear to need a symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi, which presumably you have on your site, though how you could guarantee getting some of it into seed compost is anyone's guess.  Letting them self-seed may be the best strategy.  Good luck.

[Jayb]

Thanks, for a good link  I was a bit shocked to read they can take two years just to produce leaves!
I think you're right self seeding is the way to go although when the seed is ripe, I think I'll try and clear some of the undergrowth and sprinkle a little seed onto the earth. Hopefully in a few years there will be a little patch of them.

[ACE]

Leave the undergrowth, just cut it and let it lay. There may be something in it that is beneficial to your lone plant. Years ago we had to clear a bit of old cemetery that had all sorts of orchids growing, we moved the deep turfs to a similar site but the orchids disappeared. Even collecting the hay after the seed had set did not resulting orchids where it was spread. Where the lads had to keep a site tidy with cutting and strimming etc, the public used to rant and rave but the orchids always came back the following year. They are a mystery,  but keep notes, you will be worth a fortune if you succeed where everybody else has failed.

[Jayb]

Thanks Ace, will do. The area normally gets a couple of strims during the year to keep it from taking over, if most things have gone to seed by the time the orchid is ready I'll do it then. I hadn't realised they were quite so tricksy.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Don't try to move it. Orchids rely on soil fungi, and if you put it somewhere else, that doesn't suit the fungi, it'll die.

[Jayb]

I'm happy the orchid likes its spot and has come back again this year 

[woodypecks]

Thats funny , the same thing has happened to me ... in the middle of my meadow ...one from nowhere . It must be something to do with all the exceptional rain we had over winter . I wrote about it on my blog the other day too ! Not sure of name ..maybe Lesser Spotted Orchid ? I,m now very worried about it ,as the meadow is cut for hay in a month or so time : (