by Lance Hill | Dec 30, 2025 | How To, Mirliton
Young mirliton sprout removed from the container. The arrow points to the plant radicle (rooting organ)
The photo shows that although the root radicles (white, bumpy protuberances at the top) are pointing upward, yet the roots themselves have begun to grow downward into the soil. The radicle is the embryonic root of the plant, and in this case, even though it was planted mostly above the soil line, it immediately sent roots downward to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. So even if you plant the seed upside down, the roots know which way to grow. That’s why mirliton sprouts generally succeed, regardless of whether they are planted “large end up” or “large end down.”
by Lance Hill | Dec 19, 2025 | How To, Mirliton, Uncategorized
Evenly distributed flecks (crumbs) of soil indicate good soil moisture at all root zone levels. No need to water.
An old tomato stake can be used to measure soil moisture and prevent waterlogging. We generally recommend using a metal soil sampler, but the bamboo stake will work in a pinch. Click on each photo in this link to read the instructions about how to use it. Click here how to use a metal soil sampler.
by Lance Hill | Dec 13, 2025 | How To, Mirliton, Uncategorized
It’s that time of the year when desperate gardeners in search of an Heirloom Mirliton see one at a garden store and snatch it up. But garden stores are notorious for selling mirliton plants without naming the variety or grower. They may well be an authentic Louisiana heirloom variety, but if you buy from a garden store, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, you are taking a risk. That’s why we advise people to only purchase seed and plants from members of this group because we verify that they are selling authentic, certified heirlooms.
But, if you buy from a garden center, we recommend checking the plant label to confirm it is a named Certified Louisiana Heirloom Variety. All the named varieties are in the post below. If the label says it’s an “unnamed variety”, ask the store owner who sold them the seed. You will also find a list of all the people growing and selling unnamed varieties in the post. If it has no label and the store owner won’t tell you where they got it, turn around and go home.
We are the only organization in the U.S. that certifies heirloom mirlitons, and we do so to ensure people receive a variety that grows well in our region.
See the list of named varieties and the list of people selling unnamed varieties here.
by Lance Hill | Dec 11, 2025 | How To, Mirliton
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR HEIRLOOM MIRLITONS: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
By David Hubbell
Currently we are receiving excessive requests for “searching for” or “anybody have any” heirloom mirlitons in _____, Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama posts. From our past history with the page, it has been found these posts easily get lost in the shuffle and are not effective.
As such we are not approving those posts.
We have found the better alternative is to use the “Search” function (magnifying glass icon) to type in terms such as “for sale”, variety name, or a name of a nearby location. At this point you can find a grower close to you and comment on their post and arrange to exchange a direct message.
NOTE: most growers aren’t set up to mail sprouts so you have to be willing to drive or arrange for someone to pick up the sprouts or pots. We expect sprouts to be available from various growers soon and potted vines in January.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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