Hi all, I got some A. timbriata and A. gardneri seeds in a trade recently, and was really excited about growing them. But so far, no sprouts. Is there a trick to starting them I don't know about? Should I have soaked them or scarified them? They've been in my seed tray, under lights with bottom heat for about a month now, I started some caudiciform ipomoea's, and some papaya at the same time, and everything else came up long ago. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

In my experience, some come up right away and others can take months. The fresher the seed, the quicker the germination. When I start them I get my best results by taking nail clippers and cut a sliver off the seed coat .. just enough to break it then barely cover them with potting mix. 75 to 80 degrees soil temperature is best.

Julie,
I have found that with Pipevines as Anne said the fresher the better. I start A. fimbriata in vermiculite. I usually have fresh seed as I save some every year. ( the BF's knock down mine quick so I grow alot of it.) I fill a tray with the vermiculite, let it soak up some warm water ( I add a drop of Superthrive to the water), press the seeds on top, cover w/ a zip lock bag and place them on a wire shelf over the plant lights. Even fresh they can take up to 3-4 weeks to germinate, but I usually get a few within 10 days or so. I don't have any experience with A. gardneri so can't help you there, but I know some are alot harder to germinate than others even if fresh.

Thanks, I won't give up on them yet then. Maybe I'll try to find some fresher seeds as well, (try some different varieties too) anyone have any recommendations on a good mail order seed place that has fresh seeds?