Germinating Aristolochia

Chilean Aristolochias are easy to germinate, but the procedure is very different from those recommended for most other Aristolochias (like the 'Deno Method', bagging the seeds, heating them, etc.). The standard method will most certainly result in failure.

Soak the seeds for 24 - 48 hours in normal water, changing water a couple of times to wash out potential germination inhibitors. Sow the seeds over poor substrate with good drainage (containings sand or similar +50%), cover with sand (2 mm.) and keep at COOL temperatures of about 12 - 15ºC. The germination starts after about two weeks.When germination has begun, you may raise somewhat the temperature to about 20ºC. Remember that these plants are not tropical, excessive heat and humidity may kill them.

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