Hi,
I have just planted some purple Allamanda cathartica seeds in some soil and they are now in a greenhouse. I was wondering if there is any special way to start them from seed. How soon will they germinate? How long before blooming? I couldn't find any info online anywhere!! Any help would be much appreciated!
Sam

Hi Sam,

I did a search at www.google.com and put in the search box:
propagation + allamanda + seed
and got 265 hits. I too am having trouble finding the info you want. Most sites say to propagate from cuttings, though one site mentioned that the person put the seeds in a growing medium and waited until they sprouted. They just didn't say how long. It was the first one here.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=propagation+%2B+allamanda+%2B+seed&spell=1

Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but a repeat of the search, or going to that link might be helpful. I wish I could could grow them in my zone 7 garden, but at least I did get to see them in their native habitat and it was wonderful.

Good luck,
Newt

Allamanda seeds need to be soaked in room temperature water for a minimum of 24 hours, or scarified (nicked) prior to planting. The preferred method , scarification requires that you take a file or sandpaper to lightly break the shell of the seed to allow water to penetrate.

You need to maintain a soil temperature of 75-85 for the seeds to sprout.
The seeds may take as long as 6-10 weeks to germinate...

Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated!!!!

Sam