I was searching for another answer when I came across this post so I thought I would chime in. Mine have been sprouting for three days now and I only planted them on the 14th. All I did, and I'm new so I was trying to be creative, was put one seed in the middle of each those little Jiffy pack things (after I added water of course), place the mini greenhouse that came with the little Jiffy pack things on a wicker table without the glass top and put the table over one of my heat registers. I put a thermometer on top of the tray and the air temp. swings between 65F-75F all day. The soil is probably a little more moderated and I'm betting stays around 70F. I didn't soak, nick, file or violate the seeds in any way, just planted them directly in the mix. So far, 9 out of 12 are sprouting.

Im in zone 6....I started some moonflower seeds in doors in my kitchen window sill, after soaking them for 24 hrs. I sowed 12 seeds only 4 came up..but they are sturdy, i only got them into the groung about 7 days ago, and i see they are fine as long as i keep them watered..I heard they dont transplant well, but so far so good. I soaked the rest of the seeds over night, and just put them in the ground...also 7 days ago so far no results..i had started morning glories at the same time, and transplanted those seedlings to hopefully mix with the moonflower, got red and blue MG's with (hopefully) the white moonflower...I dont know if its too late or not for blossoms..but i will just keep my fingers crossed!! good luck!

Well, somebody had the same question and got it answered. I should have read it first. But please answer my later question. Padma.

Yes, I did start from seed xRay. No secret, though - maybe just luck!! I started the seeds in those small fiber pots, and keep them in our garage under flourescent bulbs for several weeks until they were a couple of inches tall. Then planted them at the base of a tree in our back yard. It gets partial shade there. They seem to like the spot! The blooms are almost 6 inches across. The package said they would have a scent, but it may be just so delicate that it's not really noticeable. But that's ok, as the flowers are so pretty. They only seem to last a day, though. Interesting plant!