Flasking FAQ

Q. When will my orchid seed be ready to harvest?

A. Most orchid genera will have mature seed pods within 4 months. For genus-specific pod maturing times, see the AOS article on Orchid Seed Harvesting Times.

Q. How soon will I receive my plants?

A. Growing orchids from seed takes a very long time. Once protocorms (baby orchids) develop and are established, the mother flasks can be divided and the plants plated into daughter flasks. The continue to mature until they are large enough to survive a non-sterile environment. This can take up to 18 months, and many orchids grown from seed won't flower until at least 3 years from sowing the seeds.

Q. How do I mail orchid seed?

A. Mailing orchid seed is very easy, as there are no restrictions within the US for mailing dry seed domestically. The safest way to wrap seeds is depicted below. A pouch made of parchment paper is used to hold the seeds, which can then be placed into an ordinary envelope, with or without carboard for support. We also accept whole seed pods if you prefer to mail it without removing the seeds, as long as the pods are dry or near-dry.