Ed, those seem to have very good root systems you have got growing in the pumice. It's something that I've yet to see for sale here in the UK. Admittedly I'm out in the sticks but even the large garden centres that I've visited don't seem to stock pumice in any shape or form. Have you ever germinated them in pure perlite....would that be as good do you think? Perlite is available here from several sources, despite it being composed of at least 50% useless dust that you have to seive out with your very best kitchen seive!

Gill

Gill, You must have been thinking of Ed with your intro! I am sure you could germinate in perlite, though I have never done so. I am not a fan of perlite, its too light for me. The mix I am now using is 1:1:1 pumice/#2cherrystone/zeolite, it's heavy and keeps my small plastic pots upright. I can water directly on the mix and seedling without them falling over.

I believe my 3G mix (1:1:1 pumice/#2cherrystone/zeolite) allows for moisture retention and a very good flow of air and water, almost impossible to over water.

Joe