Choosing a Small Selection (seeds)

Hi everyone. I'm new here and very new to cacti/succulents. I've got a collection of about 25-30 plants, but I haven't delved into cacti much yet. I've come here to hopefully learn from the experts here!

I've been looking at getting an Opuntia violaceae santa rita since I love vibrant colours and odd, unique plants. I couldn't find a place close to me that sells this, however there is a place that will sell me seeds. It's about $2.50 for 20 seeds, so I'm thinking about ordering a couple of species worth (pref. no more than $20) to grow, and I'm excited about the challenge of growing from seeds. I don't have access to a greenhouse so any tips would be welcome.

So far I only have my eye on that Opuntia. Possibly an Ech affinis also (I know I know, not a cactus, but I can't find affinis anywhere so I got excited), but otherwise I have no idea. Maybe it would be best to start with just these two and see how it goes? Although the seeds are pretty cheap...

I'd prefer them to be on the easy side to grow (or at least germinate) since I'm a first-time seed grower with no greenhouse. There are about 7000 different cactus species available, and over 1000 succulents, so whatever you suggest will probably be available.
These are the ones I have at the moment (not many!) to avoid doubling up (purposely not embedded, they're a bit big):
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Photo 5
I also have 3 little Lithops growing happily, as well as a Dioscorea elephantipes.
Can anyone please recommend a small collection of seeds for me to attempt to grow? I'd really appreciate some input from someone more knowledgable than myself. Cheers!

Hey Bobblybook. Welcome.

There are 100's of species of cacti that you could grow, each with their own rewards. We (Australia) have a great climate for cacti so you can grow almost anything here.

It' good to see your going to start them off yourself. I'm a massive fan of growing from seed and feel this is how you get the most form the hobby.

Oh also you can buy seeds for almost any species over the internet. Check out the links section.

Thanks Hellonasty!
I do have a big range to choose from, but it's a little daunting at the moment. I also read that some species are harder/slower to grow than others, and with my luck I'm sure that I'll pick the most difficult plants available if I'm left to my own devices.

I'm curious about how difficult they will be to grow for me as a beginner - I've been reading about special soil/mix for seedlings, keeping them out of strong sunlight and temperature requirements - again, since I don't have a greenhouse or somewhere I can grow them with artificial light, will most species grow fine indoors/outdoors without much hassle (apart from watering them)? I've also read that they need to be kept quite humid.

Sorry about all the questions, I just would like my first seeds to be successful

They need fully shade but in a nice bright environment. Window sill is good just make sure they get no direct sun.

Most Mammillaria's are fairly easy to start from seed. Also Trichocereus is interesting and straight forward.

Good luck.

I will post a link for seedling starting... when i find it...I have a few somewhere somewhere. Maybe someone else will have one.

I see, the sun shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I did some searching for Mammillaria's and I've fallen in love with one of them - a Mammillaria luethyi. However, at $22 for 10 seeds, it's not something I really want to waste, so I might give them ago sometime in the future.

These are the species I am looking at getting:

Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita
Rebutia (similar to Mammillaria's?) fiebrigii v. albipilosa
Echinopsis (Trich?) chilensis
Echinocactus grusonii (golden barrel)
+ 2 Echeverias (Perle Von Nurnberg/affinis).
+ 2 Astrophytum mix (one of myrio's, one of asterias')

If these are suitable species for a beginner then I think I'm set.
That link should be useful - a lot of the info I've dug up so far is related to greenhouses, heat mats and a very controlled climate, which obviously isn't a lot of use to me.

EDIT: I'm now wondering whether it's a little late to sow the seeds - it'll be autumn before I get around to it and I'm not sure how they'll do in the winter if they're still young.

Welcome and goodluck
I have not yet tryed seed raising, altho i have been going to do it for the last 8 months

One problem from ordering seeds from over sea's is that if its from the Opuntia family, it more then likely wont make it into the country, along with a few other banned species.

Thanks Michael
Not to worry, they're from Vlado in Vic so no overseas imports to be scared of.