How to Propagate Plumeria Seed
Plumeria, or Frangipani, originates in tropical regions of Central and South America. Gardeners admire plumeria for its fragrant flowers and attractive leathery foliage, and it is widely cultivated outdoors in USDA Zone 10 and above or as a houseplant in colder climates. Plumeria is typically propagated from cuttings because the seeds do not reproduce true to the parent plant. However, many gardeners choose to plant plumeria seeds to see what new color variations and forms occur. Propagating plumeria from seed is very easy and requires few materials; however, warm temperatures and ample water are required. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bowl
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Vermiculite
- Compost
- 4-inch plastic pot
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
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Place the plumeria seeds in a shallow bowl of water. Soak them for 24 hours to prompt germination.
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2
Combine 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 1 part compost to create a seed starting mix, or buy a commercially prepared formula with a mildly acidic pH.
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3
Fill a 4-inch pot with the seed starting mix. Moisten it and stretch plastic wrap across the top of the pot. Place the pot in the sun to warm the soil to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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4
Remove the plastic wrap. Hold the plumeria seed between your thumb and forefinger. Insert the seed halfway into the soil but leave the papery, wing-like ends of the seed casing protruding above the soil surface.
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5
Place the pots outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures reach a stable 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or leave them indoors near a sunny, south-facing window.
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Apply 1 inch of water every day for 21 days, or until they germinate. Decrease water to 1 inch every other day until the plumeria reaches 5 inches in height.
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Plant the seedlings outdoors if the local climate is hospitable, or transfer them to permanent pots after 60 days.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not overwater plumeria seedlings because they will rot.
