Growing Thunbergia from seed - Ask Extension
I successfully grow a wide variety of flowers and vegetables from seed every year... But Thunbergia seeds never germinate for me. What is the secret?
Knowledgebase
Growing Thunbergia from seed #781825
Asked February 13, 2022, 9:58 PM EST
I successfully grow a wide variety of flowers and vegetables from seed every year... But Thunbergia seeds never germinate for me. What is the secret?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi there. I love thunbergia.
This is what the Wisconsin horticulture site recommends:
"This plant is most commonly propagated from seed (although softwood cuttings can be taken or stems layered, too, but plants grown from seed tend to be more vigorous). Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost, and plant outside once all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures remain above 50F. Soaking the seeds in warm water overnight before sowing will speed germination. Press the seeds into the soil, covering completely. Seeds should germinate in 10-21 days. Plants grown in containers can be overwintered indoors in a warm, very bright room."
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/black-eyed-susan-vine-thunbergia-alata/
Since thunbergia is also native to a very warm climate (zone 9 & 10), perhaps using a heated mat underneath your seed starts will help with growth and germination, too. Best of luck.
This is what the Wisconsin horticulture site recommends:
"This plant is most commonly propagated from seed (although softwood cuttings can be taken or stems layered, too, but plants grown from seed tend to be more vigorous). Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost, and plant outside once all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures remain above 50F. Soaking the seeds in warm water overnight before sowing will speed germination. Press the seeds into the soil, covering completely. Seeds should germinate in 10-21 days. Plants grown in containers can be overwintered indoors in a warm, very bright room."
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/black-eyed-susan-vine-thunbergia-alata/
Since thunbergia is also native to a very warm climate (zone 9 & 10), perhaps using a heated mat underneath your seed starts will help with growth and germination, too. Best of luck.
