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How to Grow Allamanda Cathartica From Seed

Golden trumpet vine, or Allamanda cathartica, is a rapid grower that willingly climbs into shrubs and low trees on hardy, twining trunks. In tropical locations, this heat-lover is valued for the clusters of cheerful trumpet shaped blooms it produces all year long. In northern gardens, A. cathartica can be grown as an annual; though it will not survive a winter freeze, the rampant tendrils can be trained up posts, fences, pergolas and trees. While golden trumpet vine is most easily propagated from cuttings, with a bit of advanced planning, it can also be started from seed.

Things You'll Need

  • Waterproof containers
  • ¾ C. bleach
  • 1 gal. warm water
  • Screwdriver or ice pick
  • Commercial potting soil
  • Index card
  • Toothpick
  • Plastic cling film
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the local extension to determine the average date of the last spring frost. Begin seed propagation 12 weeks before the final frost.

    • 2

      Choose containers for the seeds. Use any material that is waterproof and holds its shape: egg crates, plastic cell packs, yogurt containers, old cans, paper cups, etc.

    • 3

      Soak containers for 20 to 30 minutes in a sanitizing solution made from ¾ C. bleach and 1 gal. warm water. Rinse them well and then set them in the sunlight to dry.

    • 4

      Punch two to four holes in the bottom of each container with a screwdriver or ice pick.

    • 5

      Scoop commercial potting soil into the containers and fill them to within 1 inch of the rim.

    • 6

      Sprinkle water over the top of the soil and press down lightly to compress the planting media.

    • 7

      Fold an index card in half, lengthwise. Pour some seeds into the groove, and then use a toothpick to transfer three or four seeds from the card onto the soil.

    • 8

      Scatter loose potting soil over the top of the seeds to bury them.

    • 9

      Mist the soil lightly with lukewarm water, then cover the containers with sheets of plastic cling film, and set them in a warm, well-lit location.

    • 10

      Check the seeds at least once a day. Add water as often as needed to keep the soil moist.

    • 11

      Remove the plastic cling film when the first leaves appear; when the sprouts are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin the seedlings down to one plant per container.

    • 12

      Transplant the seedlings into the garden in the early summer, leaving 12 inches of space between each plant.