"But you can't use peat-free to grow..."

There are some plants which are often thought to be "impossible" to grow peat-free. But we've been seeing first-hand how growers across the UK have been successfully growing these "difficult" species 100% peat-free.

Meconopsis

Meconopsis, commonly known as “Himalayan blue poppies”, are short-lived annuals that grow well in cooler, wetter conditions. They need a lot of organic matter, and to be kept moist throughout summer.

Macplants in Tranent, Scotland have peat-free Meconopsis for sale in-person and online. We admired these lovely plants while visiting with Minister Jim Fairlie to show him how Scottish peat-free businesses are thriving.

 

Left: Meconopsis shining with water droplets at Macplants.

Right: Macplants owner Gavin McNaughton and Minister Jim Fairlie discussing Meconopsis.

Sarracenia and Venus Flytrap

Trays of Sarracenia are assessed by judges. Photos: RHS

As carnivorous plants in the wild often grow in peat (such as our beloved Drosera), many think they can’t be grown peat-free in cultivation. However, the RHS have grown both of these unique plants peat-free in trials.

In fact, peat-free Sarracenia was preferred by members of the Carnivorous Plants Society who participated in blind judging in 2024.

 

Nepenthes

Chester Zoo hold the National Collection of Nepenthes, a carnivorous species also known as the pitcher plant.

Expert staff care for over 2000 specimens of 150+ species of carnivorous plant, grown entirely peat-free.