Has anyone grown plumerias from seed? Any tips? I have started eight in starter cubes and have kept them moist but the temp has not reach eighty but a few times. Tonight it will reach 49 and high tomorrow is 70, should I bring them in? How long will it take to show signs of growth? I am a newbie to plumerias and hope this works with the seeds.
From Seed
seedlings you don't want to go dormant keep them in the house in a sunny window don;t over water them. As soon as they have a few leaves on them or roots coming out I repot in a gallon pot. For the first year you don't want them to get cold I have a green house I put them in. What do you mean signs of growth? sprouting? or leaves you put the seeds in tails up so there sticking up out of the dirt. Usally it takes a couple weeks to sprout as cold as you have them i don't know... hope this helps you Dana
Swampguy, I always keep my plumeria seeds and seedlings in a consistently warm location. If you will go to the stickey thread at the top of this forum: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/599185/ , it has tons of links on plumeria care. About mid way down is a whole section on growing plumeria from seeds which I think will tell you everything you need to know.
Good luck!
Thanks, Tim
Hey, Tim. You've received some good advice already, and I agree with it. Seedlings generally are easier to care for because of their strong root systems. I agree with giving them each a one-gallon container and lots of sun and warmth. You should know that seedlings do take 3-5 years to bloom in general, and they do not come true and will more than likely not look like their parents. Here is an article that I wrote about how I grow seeds if you are interested: http://davesgarden.com/articles/view/45/
Clare, very good article. It seems like I started mine to soon. The weather is still a little cool. I have put a dome over the seed cubes and will bring them in at night but I assume it will take a while longer for them to sprout. Or do you think I should get some more and start over?
I grow orchids and am use to waiting years for something to bloom. To keep myself happy I grow other flowers like mose roses and geraniums to fill the void :-) Tim
Tim , do you have a heat mat and grow lights? If yes, I would put those seeds under lights. Last year, I put my seeds in a aquarium and they did fine under the aquarium lights until it was time to take them outside. It was just enough light and warmth to keep them happy.
No lights or mat but have a dome that holds in heat. So, I will leave out in the sun during the day and bring in at night. And hope that works or I will be buying new seeds.
Tim, thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you liked the article.
A desk lamp over the seeds at night will give them some extra light and heat if you can do that. I used to put my seeds on my gas stove that was warm from the two pilot lights at night with a desk lamp over them, and then I would put them outside during the day.
Don't give up with those seeds. They can take several weeks or even months to sprout, and they won't all sprout at the same time. Let them stay on the dry side until you see some evidence of sprouting. It is not uncommon to lose a few so don't worry if some rot.
I have noticed today that two out of ten seeds have sprouted. When should I plant them and in to how big a pot?
I would wait until all ten have sprouted and until they all have their second set of true leaves. I would repot them in the spring when it is warm out and when they will remain outside all day and all night. I would give them each a one-gallon container.
5/10 sprout but white spots are appearing on the leaves. Should they get more light? Is it time to put in gallon pot? Thanks, Tim
Tim, it can take 30 days or more for seeds to sprout so why not wait until they have all sprouted and have their second set of true leaves before you repot them to individual one-gallon containers? If you look closely at my picture, you will see that the seedlings have at least two pairs of leaves: http://davesgarden.com/forums/p.php?pid=3366006 You can put them outside during the day in full sun and bring them in at night if you think that they need more sunlight.
This message was edited Apr 10, 2007 12:48 PM
8/10 sprouted but a problem with one. The sleeve (for lack of better word) is not coming off of one. What can I do? Thanks all of you, Tim
Tom, I talk about how you can get seed coats off in my article: http://davesgarden.com/articles/view/45/ and also when to repot. You'll need to be very careful so you don't injure the seedling. Sometimes, it is best to mist frequently so that the seedcoat will come off on its own. Chances of injury are great when you try to remove it if you are not experienced at doing so.
4/10 made it and are now planted in one gal pots. Knowing the price of plumerias i think I got a good deal. Now to wait for three years for a bloom :-)
Sounds like they are on their way to becoming lovely trees. Don't hesitate to fertilize them this summer to help them grow big and strong. Yes, seedlings do require a lot of patience. I have about 30 that I am waiting on to bloom, and they are 41 months old. About 10 bloomed at 36 months and younger.