While living in Charlotte, NC I grew a cherry red vinca with a white eye (an annual) - purchased from a local garden store. Don't know the particular name for the one I raised. But I really liked it and want to try it again.

Now gardening in NW PA I'm trying to find a similar vinca and found Vinca Jaio Dark Red (offered by Park Seed Co) which appears to be close to the color I have in mind.

Haven't been able to find any local outlets for this color and seriously thinking about trying them from seed.

I don't have a greenhouse or a light set-up. Do you think it easy or difficult to raise vincas from seed without the foregoing?

Would appreciate any advice you might be able to give me.

I think it's tough to grow seeds indoors without a light set-up. But annuals grow quickly and you should be able to start them outside. Milk jugs work well for that. Are you familiar with using milk jugs for the wintersowing technique? It would offer a little more protection for tiny seedlings in spring since you live pretty far north.

Karen

I've gotten Vinca seeds from Swallowtail gardens for the past few years and they germinate wonderfully for me. I put them in a flat, saran wrap over that, and then newspaper over that as they need dark to germinate. Sometimes I start them on top of the upright freezer as it's warm. Once they germinate, I put them in a southern exposure window and they do fine.

They are also a re-seeding annual down here but they get started on their own much later than I like so I sow seeds as well.

The Pacifica series looks like it might have the color you're looking for.

https://www.swallowtailgardens...

Thanks, Vicki nd Karen for your responses. No, I have never tried the milk bottle method, but sounds as if it might work for me. Viewed the Swallowtail website and agree that perhaps the Pacifica series might be what I have in mind.

Think I might order some of them (also like some of the other colors) and try both suggested methods - hopefully will have some success from one and maybe both.

Thanks again.

Good luck with them. I love vincas.

Karen

me too Karen - it does so well down here in the wicked heat and even in very dry conditions and I love all the different colors.

Yes Vic, they're pretty bullet proof!

Karen