From my own experience I can say that the freshness of the seed has something to do with it. I have never had old (that is over one year) seed sprout--except for one batch that was on its second year, but it was hermetically sealed. Fresh is best with this plant. Also, I use the paper towel method. I wrap in damp paper towel, put in a plastic bag and put it someplace warm. I open it up for air each day or so. Then after some days, a gross, stringy, gooey, guk is on th outside of the seeds. I pull that off, wipe the seeds well, give them a fresh paper towel, and put them back in the bag. As soon as I see a sprout (sometimes as soon as a week), I plant it root tip down, and allow part (not quite half because it is already sprouted) of the seed coat to stick out of the soil straight up and down. The seed comes right up. Once up, sometimes the little cotyledons have difficulty getting out. Be careful not to mess with them too much because you can damage or kill them. However, I have been known to assist a seed or two. The tip of the seed that was sticking out is quite dry, and hard for the seed to push off. If you dab it with moisture regularly (with a Q-Tip) it may be fine. if not, you may have to split the seed off: use caution! Wait to see if the plant can do it for itself first. Right now, I have 9 plants going; several have their second set of true leaves! I hope this was helpful. Again, this is only from my own experience & mistakes. Good Luck, Robin

Update: I was looking at seeds to buy and had talked myself out of buying them. Later I was browsing my favorite Ebay Plant Seller and saw that he had a small plant listed. So that clinched it! I also bought a Snowbank from him as the one I bought last year died. I love variegation so I have to try it again. He also had the variegated Hibiscus 'Snow Queen' so I had to get that too. Those were all buy it now but one other plant doesn't end for 5 more days. I will have to be patient! *Lucy* The Amaryllis bulbs are probably from the last 15 years or so. They are mostly all red and the kind you get at Lowes. I do have a few other colors. I used to get them at the end of the season when they marked them down. I am the bargain shopper deluxe! *Karyn* Thanks again for the info. You are most valued and appreciated!!! Hope yours does well for you! Joyce

If you grow this plant you have to start the seed fairly early, because it takes quite a while to bloom. I grew it last year from seed and it didn't bloom for me. I gave one plant to my mother and she had a couple of blooms before frost. I planted mine in a pot to overwinter in the house and right now it is taking over my breakfast room waiting for the moment it can go outside. Cuttings are extremely easy to start, too - just stick in water and roots show up in no time. I didn't grow it to use as a cutflower. I try to grow something new each year. I hope I will get blooms soon after it goes outside and gets fed. Sharon

Hi Ann, I had the same thing happen to me. It took forever to get blooms and I grew it from seed in March. It does flower but I had to wait until August. You will get blooms but they take quite a while to build up their energy. Unfortunately though you may not get any seeds as they bloom so late. I see you are in Quebec...I just got back from a trip there and the city gardens were so pretty! I am trying to find out the name of a pretty vine, Dutchman's Pipe I think, that was growing up people's stairs to their upper level condo. This one was in the shade and I am hoping it will survive the hot sun. Good luck with the Cup'n Saucer Vine!! Jocque