clematis propagation

Need some info on starting clematis seeds. I've got about 3 dozs. of them and don't want to loose them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance. Mike

6. Alstroemeria; Bonsai; Clematis; Hardy Cyclamen; Eucalyptus; Flower Lawn; Helleborus; Hosta; Primula; Iris and similar.

Sowing OCTOBER-FEBRUARY. Sow the seeds in John Innes seed compost, covering them with a thin layer of compost. After watering place the seed container outside against a North wall or in a cold frame, making sure they are protected against mice, and leave them there until the spring. The compost should be kept moist but not wet at all times, and if the seed containers are out in the open then some shelter has to be given against excessive rain. In the spring bring the seed containers into the greenhouse, or indoors on to a well lit but not sunny windowsill and keep the compost moist. This should trigger off germination. If the seeds do not germinate in the spring keep them in cool moist conditions throughout the summer. As each seed germinates we would recommend that you transplant it almost immediately into its own pot.

Sowing MARCH-SEPTEMBER. Sow in John Innes seed compost, or something similar, and place each container in a polythene bag and put into the refrigerator (not the freezer compartment) for 2-3 weeks. After this time place the containers outside in a cold frame or plunge them up to the rims in a shady part of the garden border and cover with glass or clear plastic. Some of the seeds may germinate during the spring and summer and these should be transplanted when large enough to handle. The remainder of the seeds may lay dormant until next spring.

Germination of some items, particularly Alstroemeria, Clematis, Hardy Cyclamen and Christmas Rose (Helleborus) may take take 18 months or more.

An alternative method for growing PRIMULAS is to sow in a peat based compost which has already been moistened and do not cover the seed. Cover the container with a piece of glass or plastic and grow in the dark in a steady temperature of 60F. This is quite adequate and over 65'F germination will be inhibited. When the seeds start to germinate sprinkle a thin layer of fine compost over them and when the seed leaves come through this, move the box to a well lit place with a temperature of 55'F. At no time should the seed box be in full sun.

Hardy Cyclamen have been found to germinate best in total darkness at around 55-60'F. We have had good results with the following method. Place the seeds between two pieces of damp filter paper, Kleenex tissue, etc., then put into a polythene bag and place this into an opaque container in order to exclude all light. Inspect the seeds after a month and remove and prick out as the seedlings appear, returning the ungerminated seeds to total darkness.

Propagation: Seed Germination Database by Thompson & Morgan
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/499409/

Or Try this: My Method

1) One clean quart mason jar, with a lid to fit.
2) 8 ounces 'exactly' of spring or filtered water. (no chlorine)
3) One Measured Tablespoonful of ordinary Household peroxide.

Put the water into the mason jar, zap for 'One Minute Only' in microwave.

Remove carefully from micowave, put in the One Measured Tablespoonful of ordinary Household peroxide.

Put the seeds in too! Stir or swivel jar. With the lid on.

Keep covered with lid on for 24 hours, in a warm Not Hot location.
Removed from this water in 24 hours.

Sow in zipper baggies with your favorite sterile seedling mix. Seeds should be placed no lower than pushing down to the level of seedling mix they need light to germinate; spray with water and keep damp Not Wet. Place in sunny windows. Baggies should look steamy and sweaty all the time. Don't forget to spray mist every other day. Open baggies after first set of leaves appear. Lift up from baggie with a Large tablespoon when true leaves appear; and transplant to bigger pots, so you can put them outside for a few hours during the day to get used to being outside.

~* Robin