Hi Mindy,

I am so excited for you!!!

Good Luck with your seeds.

did you see the thread on Hardy seeds... it should still be on the first page. Lots of info...

Congratulations!!!

Laura

Hi Mindy,
I don't want to say either way. I personally liked the results I got from starting seeds in the sytrofoam. I had some that were sprouting after 2 days! I mixed a tiny amount of Bionide Root and Grow(3-10-3) into the water.The Bionide is similiar to Superthrive(I use Superthrive on my established cuttings and trees every spring to help wake them up).

Anyhow, I also have had success with rooting in soil. What I like to do is use the styrofoam from packaged meat from the store. I can fit quite a few seeds together.

I had excellent germination rates. Almost too good. For some reason I find it much harder to throw away plumeria seedlings, as opposed to any other type of tropical. I am hopelessly addicted to growing plumeria...lol!

BE FORWARNED!!!! THIS FORUM COMES WITH A WARNING LABEL!! NONE OF THE MEMBERS HERE ARE LIABLE FOR ANYONE BECOMING PLUMERIA ADDICTS!

Where was that statement when I started coming here?? I am now a 2 year old member of this forum, and now am being told by my friends and loved ones that I am one step away from being sent to the looney bin!!!

I live in western NY and I am growing a tropical tree?? I was just told tonight that I was born with a loose screw!! LOL!

But honestly, this is a great group of people. I have made life long friends here. That should speak words!

Good luck with your seedlings and keep us posted as to how your seedlings are progressing.

Andrew

Mindy, I think Andrew says it all.

My mother in law killed my germinating seeds while I was in HI, all but two that had strong sprouts before I left. I should have dumped them, but instead I watered them with the hope they would survive... they did! See, these plumie's want us just as badly as we want them. (ok, that's a stretch) but suffice it to say, these two seedlings are very hardy and happy, growing leaps and bounds every day. That's probably the most wonderful aspect of growing from seed, they grow so quickly and change rapidly.

I have only followed Jen (Jandey's) 'Spanish Water' paper towel soaking method, which has worked very well. I also rec'd wonderful seeds from Kms and intend to float them; I've been eager to try this method from the start but hesitated because I was worried about damaging the root. I am a bit braver now.

Just don't give up. On my first batch I kept looking and looking and waiting... and then preso! A sprout. Keep the faith and enjoy. My seedlings are my pride and joy. Let us know if you have any specific q's and we'd be happy to help!

Wendy

What is Spanish water?

There are many ways to germinate the seeds, it's so fun, and if you have a lot you could even try a few different ways. Personally I've gotten the fastest results from an overnight soak in paper towels with water with Super Thrive and then into the really well draining mix of perlite and Miracle Grow regular potting soil.

But what you really need to do is keep them warm. Watch your moisture levels in the soil and lots of warmth. Good luck!

I am so scared to mess things up. Yes she sent me alot of seeds. I guess I could float a couple and soak a couple and put in cactus mix/perlite like I did to my cutting.

I know exactly how you feel about being scared to mess them up! You will get a lot more confident and a lot less scared after you try your hand at a few, I promise. If you send me an email I can send you some extra seeds I have that you can practice on too! I'd be happy to share, I have plenty!

I think that sounds like a great idea to try both - and they both work so you'll be able to try your hand at it & get the feel of them. Are you using a heat mat or putting them in the sun? Sometimes I did heat mat, sometimes I did sun during the day & heat mat at night. Some people use no heat mat at all.

The key is really the heat & keeping the moisture level about in the middle. Instead of actually pouring water on them when needed I liked to use a spray bottle so I could spritz and control the moisture better. When you plant the seeds you can put about half of the seed into the soil and that's all they need.

Oh, and sorry I missed it before - I think Spanish Water is when you add some hydrogen peroxide to your water.

I think this is the link to a discussion about it:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/plumeria/msg1023283926835.html?9

Glad to hear u got them. I think its a good idea to try several methods.

Thank you everyone. I am hopefully going to soak them tomorrow after I get off work and then start them Sunday.

Ok, I did it. I started the seeds 2 different ways. Floating some and paper towel has some in it. We will see if it works.

I have another question. Now that my cutting has about 10 leaves, How often and how much should I water? It has been close to 90 every day and have the plant where it gets at least 8 hours of sun (hot sun). I just dont want it to dry out or be too wet.

Hi Mindy,

You are not going to hurt your tree if you water it well and let it dry again. Remember it is the wet/dry cycle. Everyone has different climates and your tree is in the heat and has the great FLA sunshine. Give it a good drink and make sure it gets the water and it is nice and "content " when you water. Then let it enjoy the heat.. when dry (could be 5 days or 7) depends on your tree, water it again. You have it in a great fast draining mix and you dont have to worry about the roots staying to wet. I bet you will be surprised at the growth when you give it a good drink!!! I would make sure when you water that you are not giving it to little water and it just drains right through the mix. Let it get a good drink. You can even give it another one after a few minutes to make sure the mix tkes in the moisture. It need that water.. Don't be afraid to let it get watered so that the excess comes from the drainage holes. It needs to have the water embrace all of the mix for the greatest benefit, then let it let it dry back..start the routine again... you will see how much it drys out. SOmetimes in the summer, i have to water everyother day. My DIvine likes more water than my other Plumies.. I just watch each one and when they are dry, i water...

Hope this helps..

Don't worry. You doing a great job!!!

Laura

Thank you Laura. I will water well from now on. I was only watering a little at a time.