Seed is sown in conventional plastic trays and is covered by a thin layer of soil. The trays are placed in a polythene tent and smoke is pumped into the tent by means of a plastic pipe from a large metal drum. The smoke is generated in the drum by burning a mixture of dry and green leaf and stem material which should resemble as closely as possible the vegetation found on heathland. The trays are left in the smoke for 1 to 2 hours. The seed trays are then placed under cover in the shade until the seeds have germinated.
Germination can take as long as six months.
It is now possible to obtain a primer solution containing a combination of natural substances which have been found to overcome dormancy and stimulate seed germination. It takes the form of an impregnated paper disc which can be obtained from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Claremont 7735, South Africa. Place a primed paper disc in a cup. Add 50ml of water and wash the primer from the paper. Seed is sown in conventional plastic trays and covered with a thin layer of soil.