KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL TROPICAL SEED GERMINATION

1) FRESHNESS & CLEANING OF THE SEEDS 

If the seeds still have the natural fleshy covering they should be cleaned the best you can. Let seeds soak in warm water for 24-48 hours. Some seeds will float when they are not viable, but that is not always true. To check viability carefully cut a seed open. A light colored flaky dried up inside probably means the seed is dead. If you see an "embryo" looking center, it is alive. Some seeds have a very hard seed coat and may need to be scarified (nicked) in order for moisture to enter into seed and reach embryo, thereby initiating germination. Most seeds will germinate without scarification, if grown in a very warm media. Some nurserymen place the 'hard to germinate' seeds toward the center of a compost pile, and germination  occurs in a few months. Make sure you flag your planting so you don't forget.

2.) WARMTH & QUALITY OF THE GROWING MEDIA (85-95F)

Use a well drained SOIL mix with moisture-holding ability and a slow release incorporated fertilizer. The amount of LIGHT is not a factor in germination. Seeds that fall from the parent tree in nature normally germinate in warm moist shady locations. Plant seeds a depth about equal to their diameter, and when watering make sure the seeds do not become exposed.

3.) EVEN AND CONSISTENT SOIL MOISTURE

Seeds should remain covered and WATERED EVENLY, not soggy, and not allowed to dry out for a long period. It is best to give each seed its own small growing container, pot, or cavity tray, so root damage does not occur later when thinning the seedlings. In small gardens cover with plastic or jars to create a mini greenhouse. LABEL each pot or cavity tray with a permanent marker on plastic tag. Note plant genus species and planting date.

*4) CAREFUL TRANSFER OF SEEDLINGS

Germination rates vary, a large percentage may come up at same time, and others may be slower but will come up. Be patient, and the sequence of cues generated internally from the embryo and externally from the seed environment will produce a unique tropical plant for you.

Most fungicides should NOT be applied to a seed pot since they inhibit germination. AFTER germination use a BROAD SPECTRUM fungicide capable of controlling a variety of fungal diseases (phytophthora-damping off or pythium-root rot). When the seedlings become strong enough to transfer carefully, and have 1-2 leaves, remove and give each plant their own pot. Be careful not to plant the seedlings any deeper than they naturally grew in seedling pot. Do not detach the seed, it is still providing nourishment to the plant. It will dispose of the seed when it no longer needs it. The plant's growing point (terminal bud) is near the base so be very careful to keep it above the soil.

Good luck and enjoy your plants!