Landrace: Nanda Devi

Its been a very busy week, shaping clouds, moving dirt, and juggling spring house repairs. Soils arrived from the rockery this week. Just after my last update, I had a few sprouts die off, a few from not letting their roots extend far enough before moving, a few from damp off where the stem rots as the first leaves unfold The Nanda Devi was just sitting there. No signs of life, but still tight little oysters, not oozing or peeking, or awake like other strains. The few germination experiences I have read about Nanda Devi suggest long waits, low rates and hot soil. So I moved the Nanda Devi seeds into a germination tray that I was using with little success to grow Bodhi trees that come from a similar climate. 60% silica play sand with 40% potting soil. My seed mat heats to 70F, so I added one inch of insulating rigid foam sheet under it, put the tray in the center, then snuggled all my soil filled containers around it for warmth. Soil temps start about 75F in the morning at lights on, and raise with tent closed, fans off, door zipper cracked at top, to about 78F peak. 16hr light cycle at 14inches which keeps it toasty too. After 3 days like this, the first Nanda Devi seed emerged. Today is day 6 since rework and 4 of 6 have sprouted. I often struggle when I insist on 'bucking convention'. I was foolish to think I should suggest how they should best sprout. Are there many paper towels in Tibet these days? Perhaps not.