How to Grow Dutchman's Pipe From Seed

Dutchman's pipe is the common name for several species of flowering vines within the genus Aristolochia. The species occurs in a range of environments around the world, including both temperate and tropical woodlands. Many gardeners include Dutchman's pipe in gardens as an ornamental since the flowers are striking in appearance with a thick, tubular shape and mottled maroon and white coloration. All species of Dutchman's pipe grow reliably from seeds, but they take up to two months to germinate and grow somewhat slowly at first. However, they will flower in their first year if provided with partial shade, ample moisture and fertile soil.

Bowl
Measuring cups
4-inch pots
Potting soil
Compost
Spray bottle
Greenhouse heat mat
Fluorescent lamp

Instructions

- 1
  Soak the Dutchman's pipe seeds in a bowl full of hot water for 48 hours. Pour one-quarter of a cup of boiling water into three-quarters of a cup cool water to achieve the appropriate temperature for treating the seeds.
- 2
  Sow the Dutchman's pipe seeds in 4-inch pots filled with a mix of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part compost. Lay one seed on the surface of the soil in each pot. Press the seed into the surface of the soil until it is half buried.
- 3
  Mist each pot heavily with a water-filled spray bottle until the top inch is saturated. Water the Dutchman's pipe seeds when the soil feels dry on the surface. Do not let the soil dry out completely during germination since the seeds will be damaged.
- 4
  Place the pots on a greenhouse heat mat beneath a fluorescent lamp. Set the heat mat to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 68 degrees Fahrenheit at night to mimic the outdoor cycle of warming and cooling. Keep the fluorescent lamp on when the heat mat is set to 85 and turn it off when adjusting the temperature to 68 at night.
- 5
  Watch for germination 30 days after sowing the Dutchman's pipe seeds, but do not be concerned if it takes upwards of 45 days for the seeds to sprout.
- 6
  Move the pots to a greenhouse or a sheltered porch offering warm, bright conditions once the Dutchman's pipe seeds germinate. Continue to water the seedlings regularly to maintain light, even moisture in the top half-inch of soil.
- 7
  Keep the Dutchman's pipe seedlings in their pots until they reach 4 inches in height and have several sets of large, heart-shaped leaves, then plant them in a fertile bed with bright, filtered light and abundant moisture.

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