PlantFiles: Tropaeolum
Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Sow in a good free draining neutral or slightly acidic seed compost to which some extra grit has been added, just covering the seed with compost. After sowing place the seed container in a polythene bag and leave it for 2 months in a refrigerator at 5C (40F), making sure that the compost does not dry out. Inspect regularly and if any seeds start to germinate during this period prick out germinating seedlings and return the seed container to the fridge. At the end of 2 months move the seed container to a temperature of 20C (70F). Over the next 8 weeks most of the seeds which are going to germinate will do so. Once they are big enough to handle transplant each seedling to a 20cm (8in) pot, the deeper the better, of a similar free draining compost. As the plants grow, water freely and grow on in a conservatory or cool greenhouse with good ventilation. As the foliage fades, gradually withhold water, so that the compost is almost dry. Restart into growth the following spring by gradually increasing the watering.