Clematis alpina, campaniflora, flammula, heracleifolia, integrifolia, macropetala, paniculata, potaninii, tangutica, and terniflora , Sow at 20ºC (68ºF), if no germination in 3-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC (24-39ºF) for 2-4 wks

Clematis columbiana, Sow outdoors late fall for 91% germ. in May/June. Indoor sowing in light at 20ºC (70ºF) should result in 50% germ. over the period of 2 to 10 weeks.

Clematis fremontii , Sow outdoors immediately after seeds ripen in midsummer. Germination begins in late fall.

Clematis occidentalis, Sow at 4ºC (39ºF) for 8 wks, move to 19ºC (65ºF) oscillating with cooler temps. at night.

Clematis mandschurica, recta, vitalba, and viticella , Sow at 18-22ºC (64-71ºF) for 2-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC (24-39ºF) for 4-6 wks, move to 5-12ºC (41-53ºF) for germination

Clematis virginiana , Sow at 20ºC (68ºF), germination slow

Here is a link that might be useful: Tom Clothier

Sharon, i bought Clematis ligusticifolia from Gardens North. Their instructions say "Sow and place at warm and high humidity. Germination should start in 2-8 weeks and continue, in a staggered fashion, over many weeks more."

I'm not disagreeing with anyone for a couple of reasons:
1) I'm very new to growing from seed
2) I think I've just been very lucky.

I'm just telling you my experience so far:

On Dec. 22, I planted nine c. mandschurica (3 in each of 3 peat pellets). I now have three seedlings, one in each peat pellet. I left them on my kitchen counter for about 2 weeks until I put them in my indoor greenhouse under lights. They are sprouting on their own, with no stratification, albeit erratically.

So far, so good.

Shauna

Keep note that seed instructions or methods are not written in stone....it only goes to show that there is no 'right' way, and it's worth trying several to try and find the one that will persuade your particular seeds to germinate.

I say its beginners luck Shauna! ((Just kidding))Congratulations!

Sharon