How to Germinate Coral Vine Seeds

Coral vine originates in the warm, subtropical climate of Mexico and is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in areas with little frost. It is a perennial species with 15- to 30-foot-tall, twining vines lined with heart-shaped leaves and slender spikes of dainty pink flowers that emerge in late summer and last until the weather turns cold. The seeds of coral vine germinate reliably with minimal effort since they exhibit a naturally high rate of viability, but they require constant exposure to light during the germination process to produce a healthy plant with an extensive root system.

Things You'll Need

3.5-inch starter pots
Potting soil
Perlite
Fine sand

Propagation mat
Fluorescent lamp
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 3.5-inch starter pots with a mixture of three parts potting soil and one part perlite. Firm the soil in the starter pots. Pour 1/8 cup of water into each starter pot. Let the water drain off.
- 2
  Sow one coral vine seed in each starter pot. Press the seed into the surface of the soil until the lower half is buried but the top is still exposed to the light.
- 3
  Sprinkle a scant layer of fine sand over the coral vine seeds to help hold moisture around them while still providing adequate light exposure.
- 4
  Set the potted coral vine seeds on a propagation mat. Adjust the temperature on the propagation mat to 70 F. Maintain that temperature at all times.
- 5
  Position a large fluorescent lamp or grow-light above the potted coral vine seeds. Expose the seeds to light for eight to 10 hours each day.
- 6
  Mist the coral vine seeds every other day using a spray bottle. Moisten the soil to a depth of 1/2 inch at each watering. Test the soil moisture daily since the heat from the propagation mat and fluorescent lamp will quickly dry out the soil.
- 7
  Watch for germination starting in 21 days, but do not be concerned if it takes up to one month for the seeds to sprout.
- 8
  Keep the coral vine seedlings under warm, bright conditions until outdoor temperatures rise above 70 F, then plant the seedlings 10 feet apart in a sunny bed.

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