Can we assume that you are referring to the plant that people CALL Vinca (but really isn't), Catharanthus roseus? This is a tropical perennial that is usually grown as an annual.

Catharanthus germination is greatly improved if the seed is in complete darkness, though some germination will occur if sunlight is introduced. The more light, the worse the germination percentage.

How long it takes depends almost entirely on the temperature of the germination medium. I've had these seeds pop up in around 5 days in a germination chamber (lots of heat and humidity).

There is also a greater chance of rot if the seeds are allowed to languish in a cool, moist flat.

Hopefully, this is the plant you're wondering about. ;-) The REAL Vinca major and Vinca minor are perennial vines.

Vinca (the annual - Catharanthus roseus) is quite easy from seed. In my zone, I start indoors, about 8 weeks prior to planting-out date.

I start seeds under flouro. lights on a light cart. I cover the Vinca seeds with growing medium, cover the container (I start in clear plastic containers with clear covers to keep the moisture/warmth in) and place under the lights. They germinate in a little less than a week with very good germ. rate. Been doing it this way for years and have always had great success.

By covering the seeds with growing medium, you are providing darkness - you don't need to cover them with a dark cover or hide them in a warm cupboard somewhere (as I've read in some seed growing sources).

I've got my beloved Blue Pearls seeds, will be starting them in about another month :)

I started them this w/e - now I'm thinking I started them too early!!!! I hate when that happens!

I did 1/2 the seed I had, may be in a month I'll start the other 1/2 if they get too big. OYE! I hate when that happens.

I have bottom heat - and I covered them with medium - then I covered them with a clear plastic dome, then covered the plastic dome with another inverted tray - so they're in darkness - warm and dark... it'll be an experiment I guess!

Thanks all!

I have germination!
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Told ya' they were easy :p

You were right!

Tom, I have not grown these plants for years now, though I recall they are slow to develop, so don't worry about having started them too soon ...

Here's a hint, take a toothpick and carefully space them around before they have rooted down into the soil, some are very close together and might be damaged when you later have to pull them apart ... just a suggestion :)

Terry

Sowed my vinca on Sunday, they started popping up yesterday (Friday) :0)