Hi,

I am a member of the Northeast Heather Society, a chapter of the North American Heather Society. These organizations are dedicated to the growing of heathers (Calluna, Erica, Daboecia, Cassiope, Phyllodoce and Andromeda).
To join the NEHS and get the informative newsletter, send $15 to our treasurer: Vivagean Merz, 55 Upland Avenue, Falmouth, MA. 02540.
The heath species for which you bought seeds are not included in our interest, and I don't know anything about them.
The Heaths and Heathers catalog is an excellent source of information.
The calluna and erica will not cross breed, and it's unlikely that the individual cultivars will hybridize, although occasionally a sport is found.
Erica carnea and E. vagans will tolerate alkaline soil. To acidify, you can mix dampened peat moss, shredded oak leaves, pine needles and the like with your soil.
Good luck, and enjoy your new hobby.

Here is a link that might be useful: North American Heather Society

Another great resource for Heaths and Heathers here on the East Coast is Rockspray Nursery, plus their catalog give more sound advice than ANY other book I have read on h&h. Their knowledge is as reliable as their plants, all first-rate.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rockspray

Thanks for your replies.

so what can i add to keep it acidic later.
my 2 little Calluna vulgaris Lianne seem to be doing well. i did notice it had some browned tips on it (mainly on the back) but its got lots of little green ones as well.
i just had to move my little Erica carnea Vivellii since it wasnt doing well. it hadnt seen out any new roots when we dug it up. it think it didnt get enough light due to the huge lilac bush. i forgot to treat its new home first though.

Hi. One thing you can do is add 1 tbsp. of vinegar in a gallon of water when you water your heather. Also, make sure the soil immediately surrounding your heather is mainly peat if it's not already acidic.

My original Heather came from Wal- Mart or some such store it actually is quite lovely with a little maintanence.It is starting to spread out should I leave it natural or trim it?