It seems from what I have read, P.caerulea does not require cold stratification to germinate although much of the information on Passiflora germination out there on the web is contradictory at best, especially the advice given regarding the removal or not of arils prior to sowing the seed (it appears that one of the reasons for removal of arils seems to be an expectation of the growth of undesirable moulds and fungi - how they manage without us in the wild is surely amazing!) Experimentation may thus be resorted to - it's always fun to do anyway. Incidentally, nice pics karyn1! I would sure appreciate knowing how you did this (I note the photobucket reference and have an account myself)

Johnny, I have been fallin in love with Southwestern and mexican pines (possibly from over 2000 meters), since the continental Europe is steadily drying. I started with ponderosa scopulorums of seeds, which are over 25 years old. We need no more Chamaecyparis from England, we need pines from worse conditions as 500 mm rain and air droughts. Pinus montezumae, culminicola, pungens, ponderosa or engelmannii. They seem to be not only survivors at us, but their genetic value has great possibilities as unique garden soliters, or even for forestry use too. Thanks for showing the pictures. Zsolt

Myles, yes, I've read those pages on your site--several times in fact. It's been my experience that dying any pasiflora seed greatly reduces its viability. To the point where if a seed source mentions that they've dried their seeds, I won't even bother. I'd expect incarnata, lutea, affinis, mexicana, tenuiloba, foetida var. gossypiifolia to all respond to stratification to some degree or other, since they're all exposed to freezing weather over the winter months. But obviously incarnata and lutea, being the northern-most ranging, probably derive the most benefit from it.

Do American persimmon seeds need cold stratification and/or scarification? Or can they be sown fresh and kept warm? Should I sow in a pot (protected from critters) and keep it in my outdoor shed? Would that be preferable?