Carnivorous Plant Seeds

Carnivorous Plant Seeds at Cultivo Carnivores

South Africa's leading supplier of fresh, viable carnivorous plant seeds. Grow Venus flytraps, sundews, pitcher plants and rare species from seed with our hand-pollinated, batch-tested varieties.

Why Choose Our Seeds?

• Hand-pollinated from our private collection and trusted global sources
• Freshly harvested within the latest growing season
• Batch viability tested - we guarantee germination quality
• Massive variety - Venus flytraps, sundews, pitcher plants, butterworts and rare species
• Clear growing instructions included with every order
• Fast nationwide delivery across South Africa

Perfect for Beginners and Collectors

Whether you're starting your first carnivorous plant collection or adding rare species, our seeds give you the best chance of success. Each packet includes detailed germination and care guidance.

Don't want to wait? Browse our live carnivorous plants for instant gratification, or grab a complete grow-your-own seed starter kit with everything you need to get it right from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do carnivorous plant seeds take to germinate?

Germination time varies widely by species - from weeks to months and some can take over a year or more. Venus flytrap and sub-tropical sundew seeds typically germinate in 4-8 weeks, while pitcher plants range from 6-10 weeks to several months depending on species and treatment. Fresh seed germinates faster - we only sell seeds harvested within the last 2 growing seasons with the harvest date on every packet. Guidelines on special treatments required are included in your sowing guide.

Do carnivorous plant seeds need stratification?

Some species benefit from cold stratification to break dormancy. Your sowing guide includes detailed stratification instructions for each species. Need hands-on help? Book our seed starting consultation service for personalised step-by-step guidance.

What is the germination rate for your carnivorous plant seeds?

70-95% depending on species. We batch-test every harvest and only sell seeds that meet our viability standards. Harvest dates are included on every packet so you're buying the freshest possible stock.

Can I grow carnivorous plants from seed in South Africa?

Absolutely! South Africa's climate suits many carnivorous species. Our seeds are selected for SA conditions and include step-by-step sowing instructions with every order.

What do I need to grow carnivorous plant seeds successfully?

Fresh carnivorous plant seeds, the right soil mix, low-mineral water, bright light and patience. Our grow-your-own seed starter kits include everything in one package. 

Do I need a grow light and heat mat to germinate carnivorous plant seeds?

Not necessarily, but it helps enormously to speed up germination and early growth. Using a grow light bulb or full spectrum LED in a terrarium works wonders. A heat mat can help in winter if needed. Full germination details are in your sowing instruction guide.

Are Cultivo seeds organic or treated with chemicals?

Our seeds are untreated, hand-pollinated naturally and sourced from our private collection or specialist growers globally. No chemical treatments, no genetic modification - just careful selection, fresh harvest and proper storage.

I've been cheated before by buying 'blue Venus flytrap seeds' online - how sure can I be I'm getting real carnivorous plant seeds?

Cultivo is a specialist grower and personal collector. I grow many of these plants myself from seed and give you tried-and-tested methods. No gimmicks or fake blue flytraps - just authentic species with documented lineage.

Why are some carnivorous plant seeds sold out at Cultivo?

The quick answer: We only list what's fresh and currently available. Carnivorous plant seeds are among the rarest in horticulture - not just in South Africa, but worldwide. Unlike garden variety plant seeds, these come from slow-growing, ultra-rare species that can take years to reach flowering maturity.

We only harvest from mature, flowering-size plants (which are themselves globally scarce) and list seeds we've personally tested for viability - or species so rare that testing would push them past their narrow germination window. Some species lose viability in just weeks; others require specialised hand-pollination during brief flowering periods.

When a species like Darlingtonia, Cephalotus, Nepenthes or Pinguicula sells out, it means we've sold our entire batch from that season's harvest. We won't restock until the next pollination window and harvest cycle - which could be months or even years away.

How do you store carnivorous plant seeds before shipping?

Seed viability is everything at Cultivo. We store all seeds in controlled conditions to maintain germination rates. Fast-declining species like Nepenthes, Pinguicula, Darlingtonia and Cephalotus are prioritised for immediate dispatch and we keep clear records of harvest and batch testing dates.

Why should I grow carnivorous plants from seed instead of buying live plants?

Seed-grown plants develop stronger root systems, adapt better to your specific conditions and give you the full growing experience from day one. There's also that incredible sense of achievement watching a real insect-eating plant grow from a tiny seed. Read our full guide on what makes seed-grown plants so special. Want instant gratification? Explore our live plant collection.

Can I grow highland Nepenthes from seed in South Africa?

Yes, but it requires specific conditions. Highland Nepenthes need cooler nights (10-15°C) which limits growing regions in SA. Our sowing instructions include general germination conditions and we can advise on which species suit your local conditions. For personalised setup advice, book our seed starting consultation - we'll assess your environment and recommend species with the highest success probability.

What's the difference between Drosera capensis seeds and other sundew species?

Drosera capensis is South Africa's native sundew and the easiest carnivorous plant to grow from seed here - it's perfectly adapted to our climate. Other sundew species (tropical, temperate, pygmy) have different requirements. We stock both SA-native and exotic varieties with clear guidance on which suit beginners versus experienced growers.

Do you sell carnivorous plant seeds that are CITES-listed or protected?

No. All Cultivo seeds comply with CITES regulations and South African biodiversity laws. We source responsibly from licensed growers and our own cultivated stock - never wild-collected. You're supporting ethical cultivation and conservation, not poaching or illegal trade.

Why do some carnivorous plant seeds cost more than others?

Pricing reflects rarity, pollination and sourcing difficulty and viability windows. Species that produce limited seed (like certain Nepenthes, Heliamphora, Cephalotus and others), require hand-pollination or lose viability quickly command higher prices. You're paying for fresh, tested, ethically sourced seed with documented harvest dates—not mystery packets from unknown sources.

Can I cross-pollinate different carnivorous plant species to create hybrids?

Yes. Hybridisation is possible within some genera (Sarracenia, Nepenthes, Drosera) but requires compatible species, timing and technique. Cultivo sells pure species seed with documented lineage - perfect for collectors building authentic collections or experimenting with controlled crosses.