Kathy, That's so cool. I am anxiously awaiting your results since I want to get my Plumeria seeds going, soon
Bill

Kathy I know we already spoke about this but I'll give the warning here too. Make sure you aren't using biodegradable packing peanuts! I used this method several years ago and at the time didn't realize that there even were biodegradable peanuts. They were white and looked just like any other styrofoam packing material. I made my little boats, labeled them ,inserted the seeds, put them in a tray of water and then watched them dissolve into a sticky mess. lol When you use the regular peanuts this method works quite well.

Hy guys-
Ok, Bill, I'll keep you posted! Karyn- I think I'm using the regular peanuts. It's been almost 24 hours and they're still staying afloat with no breakdown! But thanks for the warning, I appreciate it!

The biodegradable ones begin breaking down almost immediately. You're safe. lol My P. stenophylla seeds are up, 6 days.

Karyn-
How warm did you set the heating mat at?

I don't use a thermostat but it's probbly around 85. I turn the mats off at night. We keep the house around 70 so they never get cold. These are all being started inside. I'm keeping the GH too cool at night to start tropical seeds.

Thanks for the info, Karyn!

Kathy, good for you in trying different methods of growing out seeds. We will all surely benefit from your experience.

Thanks Eloise- I'll keep you posted!:)

OK- yesterday the first seed germinates- today- Sat.- I most of the seeds have hatched! Here's the pics-
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Now- I'm wondering if they need to go in a regular potting mix, or a cactus mix like an adult Plumeria would require. Any suggestions?

Very neat project. I would probably just pot them up like regular adult plumeria - same media. That is what I always do. I have a ton of plummie seeds I need to plant and lots of packing peanuts we got from some airplane parts crates last spring. so I might just try this. I hope my seeds are still viable they are from last year lol.
~SJN

Cool Kathy. Thanks for the update. Let us know what you pot them in and give us a few follow ups.
Bill

I agree with SJN. I use a regular high quality potting mix for rooted plumies. The only time I use a different medium is when I'm rooting cuttings. I'd wait until the cotyledons are open, which won't be long, before potting them up. I wouldn't leave them in the "boats" until true leaves appear.

Karyn-
I was just about to pot them up in perlite, coir and granite grit. Are you saying to leave them in water until the first leaf appears? I guess I didn't quite understand your last post! LOL!

Sounds like Karyn is saying don't wait until their 1st leaves appear. Great job Kathy!

I wait until the cotyledons (seed leaves) appear, not true leaves. There's no reason to pot plumeria seedlings or even a rooted plumeria in such a gritty mix. Save that for rooting cuttings.

You guys and gals are all great! I couldn't manage without you!:)

Great job! keep it up your pictures are great, I am wondering about starting some seeds like that, but I would like to try something different,like putting the container in the oven just to see if thewy will sprout that way, what do you all think? Thanks Marcelina Nunes

I started some this week.. I got tired of fighting the peanuts so I used the top of a food container from the resturant..

Kylie

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Kylie that looks even easier

Looks like an alien world, LOL! Kylie, it appears that the flatter styrofoam would keep the seeds more steady -- good thinking.

Good job recycling those food containers kylie!!

Wow- they do look so easy! Good going girl!:)

I just have a question, how do you get them out of the styrofoam before planting them, or do you remove it at all?

Ibartoo ,you have to brake the styrofoam very careful not to damage the seedling.

What other seeds do you guys think would be fun to try and might work with this method?

The little flat boat break in half very easy.. I don't have a heat mat so I put them in the microwave and turned on the surface light and it provides heat.. Several have already germinated..

I have been looking around for something else I could start like this also.. Doesn't Garlic Vine have similar seeds??

Kylie

Garlic vine does and orchid tree, pandora vine, catalpa tree, trumpet vines. Allamanda seeds aren't similar but their shape might make this possible. I know I've planted others with a similar shape but can't think of them offhand

Thanks everyone, I may try this. I have lots of plumie seeds to start soon.
Linda

I just found some Cat's Claw seeds I am going to start them this way and see what happens..

Kylie

I'm trying it with allamanda seeds. They have a nice flat teardrop shape but they take a while to germinate, about 4-6 weeks, so I'm not sure that they won't rot instead of sprout.
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this was kind of interesting

I am a Canadian who has a home the past 12 years, half a year in Fort Myers FLorida

I have four plumeria trees in my yard but mostly

do not see them in bloom when I am here
I know they bloom as neigbhours have sent photos
Silly but I didn't even know they have a nice seed.
What plant doesn't have seeds
When though do they normally set seed.
And I have to look more about this sprouting seed in these peanuts

Here I think I am sort of a knowledgeable gardener, but always more and more new or rather great ideas.

Thanks for the information as well

I'm not sure when plumies normally set seed in FL but I go down to West Palm every winter and often see trees with seed pods that appear close to ripe. The seed pods take many months to mature. You might have seen pods and not known it. Here's a link to some plumeria seed pod pics.

Here is a link that might be useful: plumeria seed pods

Kathy, How about some pictures of the Plumeria seedlings? Maybe start another thread as this one is very long. Also, maybe throw in some pics of your Brug cuttings progress. I know you have to be well into that by now.
Bill

For days far into the future, here is a link to Part 2:

Here is a link that might be useful: OT-Starting Plumeria Seeds in Styrofoam boats! Part 2