Should I Bother?

Should I bother to save seeds of South African bulbs for trading? They would be from things like chasmanthe, freesia, sparaxis, and ixia. They self sow where I live but I've heard that they can be very difficult to grow in other climates. I don't want to send people seeds that are going to disappoint them.

of course you should. I'll trade.

Others should research them before saying yes

Mark, that's kinda what I thought. I just want to make sure I don't violate some sort of etiquette or ethics.

one problem is Ixia are winter growers here is Europe

They are all winter growers here, but we don't have a real winter. I have a book written by someone in England and he grows plants like these in a cool glasshouse.

can you tell me the name of the book please

I think it is "Growing Bulbs: The Complete Practical Guide", but I'll have to check for sure when I get home.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0881923842/qid=1069178338/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/102-9987715-3084953?v=glance&s=books

I have that book too. It's very good.

I've had Ixias flowering out in the garden in May to June here

was that early for you? I have Ixia viridiflora just coming above ground.

Kelli, I think you should offer them. Let folks know that these are temperamental when you offer them, but I bet enough people here would be interested to make it worth while.

Some folks like to try things because they are difficult ...

Cheri'

Yep - I agree. Generally speaking, the rarer plants are sometimes ONLY available as seed or small bulblets, in private trades between gardeners (no commercial sources, or the plants are prohibitively expensive if you can find them.) I'm always on the lookout for some off-the-beaten path plants, and I'd hazard a guess a lot of other gardeners are, too ;o)

Absolutely, Kelli! Traders who request them will need to know of their special requirements much as any seeds one grows. Perhaps you will find someone willing to make an exchange from your own type of climate. [Have any Worsleya from Brazil???]