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Started these indoors, half of them sprouted and half did not. The half that sprouted never grew and died.
Despite these being slow and a bit finicky growers, I love their wonderful weirdness and am definitely growing them again next year! Germination and growth is slow. I started these early February (scoured the seeds on sandpaper and soaked for two hours in water before plating one per pot). Out of 5 seeds, four germinated, but I lost one to seedling rot. When I finally could plant them out (I'm in 7b), it was mid-May. Planted two out directly onto south facing fence, but with poorer soil and one in a pot on an upper north facing deck (but in mostly full sun spot in summer), with rich potting soil. The instructions are right: this vine needs rich soil as the ones in the garden are still struggling to grow and have no signs of flowers, whereas the one in the pot grew much bigger and just started to bloom.It does bloom late (late August for me, even later I read in lower zones), but is supposed to go on until October/November. Will try to overwinter it (hoping the potted one will form a tuber, read somewhere they could be overwintered like dahlias), but in case I fail (and because I want more!), still getting more seeds from Select Seed for next year because this has become a must in my little city garden. FWIW: First year gardener here. I think what helps me is that I always follow instructions and do tons of research, but seriously: if I can grow this and get it to bloom, so can you!
I received 5 seeds and took great care when sowing them. I nicked the tough outer coating yet only 1 germinated. It has been growing slowly despite being started a few months ago already and I am waiting to get it outside until temps are appropriate as I don't want to risk losing the 1 plant. Based on the germination rate, I likely won't buy again, and wouldn't recommend since you only receive 5 seeds for the price.
I ordered a pack of these hard-to-find seeds in early 2021. Yes, they are a bit expensive. Yes, you only get 5 seeds. But I followed the instructions on the packet to the letter and got 100% germination. Thank you for providing seeds for this hard-to-find vine. I wish I'd bought two packets.
Got 5 seeds in my packet instead of 6 and only 2 germinated. I would like a replacement.
Thanks so much for contacting us about your seeds. Seeds are packed by weight and seed counts are approximate. We've issued a credit for this, as we are sold out for the season. We apologize for the inconvenience. Vigna caracalla has quite a hard seed coat, which can cause for a tough time germinating them. We recommend nicking the seed coat on the side to help germination. Thanks!