Question
I purchased some seeds off of ebay this year for humming bird vine, and I have made several attempts at starting the seeds indoors and outdoors with no success. I asked mike how to start these seeds and he just gave me the normal run of the mill information that you find on the Internet for starting any type of seeds. I am not sure if the seeds are for the orange or the yellow variety. I did read though that the seeds after they are collected from the pod need to be stored in the the back of the fridge for like 3 months to simulate winter, is it possible that this was not done and as that is why they are not sprouting. Sorry for being so long but I am really confused on this one.

Answer
Hi Clint,
Thanx for your question.  Before I get started.  Would you let me know if I'm on the right track as to which hummingbird vine you're talking about?  Take a look at this link and let me know and then we'll go from there.

If it is Campsis radicans (also called trumpet vine)Stratify 30-60 days at 41-50 degrees.  You can put the ripe seeds (right after the pod begins to burst open)in a damp napkin and put inside a plastic baggie and place in the fridge for 1-2 months.  Then plant 1/2 inch deep in a pot and keep warm.  Germination should occur in 2-4 weeks.  Here's a link to a pic.  If it's not C. radicans, then it is probably Ipomoea quamoclit which is a member of the morning glory family.  Soak the seed overnight and then plant 1/4 inch deep and keep warm.  Germination in 5-10 days.

http://plantfinder.sunset.com/images/campsis-radicans-m.jpg  Campsis radicans
http://www.finegardening.com/CMS/uploadedImages/Images/Gardening/Plants/ipomoeaq... ipomoea quamoclit.

I hope this helps.
Tom