> Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 08:51:15 -0600 > From: "Sandy Olson" <sandyo@willowtree.com> > Help appreciated. I even tried to germinate the seeds that > came in the candy...great brown shiny buggers...but they > wouldn't sprout even after I peeled the hard outer covering > off. I tried many times to get these seeds to germinate. Mostly if planted to any depth they will rot. My most successful was plain river sand out the river. This is mostly granules about 1.5mm or larger in size. Put seeds on top and press lightly. Keep the sand moist (not water logged) and warm at all times. You can even stand it in shallow water if there is enough distance between the water level and seeds. Tamarindus Indica is a tropical plant. A large tree that can produce 350lbs of fruit. It is evergreen and a lovely shade tree for large grounds if it grows to its full size. Requires attention when young (less than 7..8 years), absolutely no frost or freezing temperatures. If you have snow or hard frost in your life then forget ever planting it outside. I nearly killed mine last year by placing it under a tree for protection. We had maybe 3 nights of light frost, that was enough. The small top branches are dead but new growth has started at a lower level. This winter it will get better treatment as we head into the second winter of its life. Did I mention slow growing ;-) I don't think the medium had much to do with germination. Use whatever you have but be sure to keep the seeds uncovered and just lightly pressed into the medium. River sand drains well retains some moisture but dries very quickly. It is almost impossible to over water. Often used for starting cuttings. Peter -- Peter Moss After one hundred and fifty years and many thousands of firearms control laws to reduce crime the list of successes should be long and illustrious. Where is the list?