I received some Plumeria seeds in a trade. I was not expecting them as they were a bonus and I really don't know too much about them or what to do with them. I looked at the "sticky" and read up on how to sow the seeds, and that they are not winter hardy in my area.
I have a few questions that I couldn't find an answer to.
1. How long from the time I sow my seeds will they take to bloom?
2. Are the roots hardy?
3. All the information I read says "warm area" for germination, but do they need bottom heat or just sunlight being direct sown outside.
Thanks, Jennifer
How long does plumeria to bloom from the time of planting?
Hey Jennifer...It can take 18 months to 5 years (sometimes even longer), but on average it's 2-3 years before you will see your first blooms.
"Are the roots hardy?" In SOME cases the plant can come back from its roots after a frost, but if the ground freezes the roots will be toast as far as I know.
I would wait to germinate the seeds until your night time temps warm up unless you have bottom heat. I germinate mine in well draining soil with the trays placed on the concrete, they get around 5 hours of direct sun. I recently germinatted some seed with day temps in the 80's and night time temps in the high 50's. I recommend that you wait until your night time temps get above 60 if you really want to be succesful.
Davie
Thanks so much! My tems have been mid 70s to low 80s and the nights have been 55-60.
I have a system set up to bottom heat. I have a Rubbermaid container with strands of Christmas lights in it. I have the top upside down and sideways on top of the container so there is an opening in the front and back and air can flow.
I put whatever needs to be heated on the upside down top. (I hope this makes sense).
I've germinated my passiflora seeds on it and most of my other seeds too.
Thanks for the information, Jennifer
It is so easy Jennifer and I think it will do fine in your area. it does take a while to bloom but so do Passi's. This is so rewarding though seing them germinate so quickly.
Since you are in colder temps sometimes during the year, you can keep it in a pot and bring it in during the winter. Lets get them growing and figure the rest out later ;)
Chris(Giftgiver)
Davie is right on;-)
1. 3-5 years or longer to bloom from seed
2. The roots are not hardy, and a freeze will likely kill down to the roots in your zone
3. A heat mat is not necessary for seeds if kept in a warm environment like a house. Seeds should not be sown directly outside until nights are warm or at least above 50. If direct sown, they need to be dug up in the fall in your zone.
Thanks guys : )