Starting off with tropicals

I would like to grow tropical plants from seed, I have a electric propagators .I have a green house with electrics . The green house is toughened glass and has self opening windows. I would like to attempt the carnivorous section of species plants if possible.

I'm also interested in most things tropical so I'm here asking your suggestions , what would you be looking at as a beginner 's choice.

I'm looking at all year round growing if possible,
All suggestions welcomed.....

 

Tropicals?
Or tropical looking?
Garden or greenhouse growing, or both?

And as the Irishman said when asked for directions, I wouldn't start from here.

Unless you have lots of heat and lighting in the greenhouse its the wrong time of the year.

As for carnivorous plants, seed is possible but slow to grow and bulk up, buying plants is probably better for early interest.
Seed once you get into it is an option.

 

With due respects. I consider Nigel to be well up with these plants.

 

@Purple Streaks I have grown sundews from seed in the past with mixed results. I would go with Pete's suggestion of buying some plants to start off with. I overwinter my insectiverous plants in a cold greenhouse, although most of the pitcher plants are pretty hardy and sundews tend to be decidous and also fairly hardy in many cases. I would do research and source seeds over the autumn and winter and then sow in spring time. That way the plants have the summer to get to a decent size before winter.
how much protection you need to give many tropical looking plants depends on where you are in the country.

 

I'm in South Yorkshire.
Must admit being out in the sticks a little and surrounded by fields we are exposed to the elements .

Oooops

. Have I just nailed me coffin

 

Not necessarily, pitcher plants should be fine in a cold greenhouse. Sarracenia are North American and the range of some goes up into Canada so cold shouldn't be a problem.
Maybe go for tropical looking rather than tropical; you might find wind more of a problem than absolute cold.

 

So can I change my question to tropical looking plants please
What would you suggest?

 

A few years ago when climate change hit the headlines, suggestions were gathering momentum for us to perhaps concentrate on growing mediterranean type plants. I have a passion for South African plants but have never got around to growing them. I think the saying. The world is your oyster, sums it up concerning plants.

 

Hi,

South Yorkshire, almost Tropical !

You do not mention the size of the greenhouse, but as you have electricity in there it should not cost much to add an electric fan heater set on the Frost protection setting or better still with a proper thermostat unit.
That will ensure your plants do not get frosted and for any that do need a warmer winter you can get or make smaller enclosures to fit on the greenhouse benches.

 

If you want something interesting but vicious, I grew a puya from seed. Nice flower spike but murder to repot - its thorns are nasty. South African and Australian plants tend to look different and exotic but don't need much heat - anigozanthos (kangaroo paw, quite easy from seed), proteas and banksias (a bit hard from seed), kennedya (running postman, quite easy from seed).

 

Thank you I'm checking out all suggestions with great imtrest,
please keep them coming

 

Are thinking of growing them in the greenhouse only or some outside?

 

Both eventually , but given the time of year I think greenhouse.our garden doesn't have much protection being surrounded by fields and only two other neighbours so very much in the open.

 

Sorry Purple Streaks but I know very little about these plants.

One day last summer, I was doing some research at Kew. Along came a group of foreign visitors, mainly perhaps Japanese. Big mouth Mike next finds himself providing a bit of extra class teaching. I was happy and so were my new found friends. I did become embarrased at our parting, when a lot of bowing and thank you's burst forth.

Honestly I just can't understand why, Britain is such a racist country. Why?

 

If you intend buying plants then there are a few you can plant at this time of the year.
Regarding seed sowing in the green house I think it's best to wait until next spring.