What does one do if you only know the genus?
There are about 20 species listed in the database, but no information on germination. I only know the seeds are from the Himalayas--Nepal, collected at 4000 meters and the plant was 8 cm tall.
Searching tells me it is in the Gentian family--so would you do a winter sow?

Comastoma is in the gentian family. According to Thompson & Morgan, Gentian wants a minimum of 2 months cold stratification and darkness in Lime free medium. Barely cover the seeds and keep medium in the low to mid 70° F. Expect irregular germination and can take anywhere from 14 to 120 days.

I think winter sowing would probably work well.

I am thinking I will try sowing onto moist vermiculite,
and place them out in the unheated garage.
I wonder which species was the T and M directions for?

The listing just says Gentiana - no species info.

The good Dr. Deno has data for several gentians,
and they all seem to require different conditions.

Hmm .. well that's not good. T & M Seed Germination Database is old, but it has served me well.

http://www.backyardgardener.co...

Thanks for that, Anne. I had saved that database for a long time but lost it over the years.

Karen

Karen I have merged it into a Word File that can be printed. If you want a copy of the file, let me know.

Take into consideration that it is an annual, if the species originally came from China. Is it Comastoma falcatum?

Cane from Nepal, I think.

Somebody else also said they were annuals,--- so then
should not be all that difficult to germinate?
Maybe start warm for a few weeks,--- then if no germination ---
move to cool location.

Honest, Lori and I came up with the "annuals" comment independently.

>>>they were annuals-so then should not be all that difficult to germinate?
One wouldn't think so, but even impatiens species can be stubborn, I have found. A species that Trond Hoy sent me didn't come up until the second season. My best guess for germinating would be the same as yours. If no germination at 18-21C (65-70F), then a cool location at 10-13C (50-55F). If still no germination, then a cold treatment around 4C (40F) for 2-4wks, then 10-13C, then 18-21C.

If it is an alpine species, whenever it germinates, I would try to grow it on at 10-15C (50-60F) if I am able.

Let us know what happens, here and on NARGS.

Yes, I will carry out my germination experiments on these seeds,
and then make sure to report my findings.
Quite likely, it is alpine as the information given is collected at 4000 m and height 8 cm
I like your idea of a gradual temperature change down to cold.