Stephanotis floribunda (Madagascar jasmine)

Any tips on growing this from seed? It needs to be at 68-86 degrees for 1-3 months to germinate, but I don't have a heat mat. Surprisingly, the top of my fridge is cool, so that won't help. Our thermostat is set to 68, but the basement (where I start seeds) is definitely cooler than that. Tamara

I've never grown these from seed, but if they really need to be at least 68 degrees to germinate and your temps won't be that high, then you might want to invest in a heating mat. You can get small ones for $20-$30 and if you like to grow tropicals from seed it's going to come in handy with more than just this plant, many of them either won't germinate at all or will germinate very slowly if you don't have heat. So it could be a really good investment!

Yep, I figured I was going to have to break down and get one. I'm used to the seeds that need stratification, not extra heat! Guess I'll have to start growing to tropicals too, to justify the purchase of a heat mat. ;-) Tamara

I grew them from seed and they propagated well. It took a few years for them to bloom, but looking back...it was worth it! Looking back, I must have had more patience, because now I would just buy the plant! You do need good bottom heat, and I am not sure but I think they all came up within a month.

A few YEARS to bloom?! Yikes, I don't have that much patience. Perhaps I will have to buy a plant to tide me over while my seeds take their sweet time blooming. Tamara

If ya only have afe w seed s ya tryign to sprout one warm plac e is the top of your computer. The top of the monitor if ya dont have flat screen. I germinate seed s on the top of mien all the time. just make sur e ya dont have big group and leave some holes showing for puter to breath. Long as computer on stays nice and toasty up there.

Another warm place is the top of the fridge.

I am in Miami, so growing Stephanotis is very easy. One hint, soak the seeds in tap water for about 3 days before planting the seeds. If the seeds are viable, they should swell up. Plant the seeds immediately after the soaking and they should germinate within a few days.

Thanks, everyone! I'll let you know if I was successful. :-) Tamara