Question
QUESTION: I saved the seeds from a favorite clematis last fall and have tried all spring to get them to germinate but no results, I am now trying stem cuttings dipped in rooting hormone. any suggestions? WHY cant I get the seeds to grow?? I am believing that the seeds are the feathery 1" long plumes that I saved from the flower center that was like a round ball...any thing else I could try?

ANSWER: Hi Julie,
Thanx for your question.  Most clematis seed require a cold treatment of several months.  Take the seeds and wrap them inside a damp paper towel and seal inside a plastic baggie and place in the fridge for 90 days.  After that treatment, you may plant the seeds and this will break the dormancy of the seed.  Germination should occur over the next few weeks.  For cuttings, take cuttings 4-6 inhces long and remove all but the last two or three leaves.  Dip in rooting hormone and place in soil less mix.  IF you can place the pot iside clear plastic and keep the bottom warm, that is a plus otherwise, mist the cuttings 3 or 4 times a day.  Rooting should occur in 8 weeks or less.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what is soil less mix? I am trying your suggestion on cutting with a mix of potting soil and (bagged) manure-compost...but what is soil less mix? they look kind of wilty but so far are still green...

Answer
Hi Julie,
Thanx for your question.  You want to use a soilless mix because with garden soil or potting soil, you don't know what you're getting.  You need a sterile mix so that you're not passing diseases on to vulnerable plants.  Also, soilless mix drains better and therefore, reduces the chances of rot.  You can make your own or you can buy it.  Here is a link to a Google search for soilless mix.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=soilless+mix&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=