Expert: Mike Mascio - 5/18/2006

Question
I have tried for 2 years to start moonflowers from seed, and have no success. Last year I got 1 vine, this year nothing has come up at all from the seed.
I can't find a plant anywhere in my area - Zone 5
Are they really hard to start from seed?

Answer
Beth, they can be difficult to germinate due to the hardness of the outer shell on the seed.  To overcome this problem, many gardeners stratify the seeds before sowing. The two most common methods of stratification are soaking and nicking.

I personally recommend soaking the seeds in tepid water for 4-6 hours to soften the shell.  Another method is to scratch or nick the shell before planting.  You have to be careful when nicking the shell not to pierce to deep.  An even safer method is to scratch the seed lightly with fine sandpaper.  

Choose whichever method you feel most comfortable with.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike