Ed note—Since we have Dennis Bottemiller telling us how to propagate without seeds, I thought I’d provide some info on how to do it the “Old fashioned way” - by seed.

Here’s a refresher on how to raise rhododendrons and azaleas from seed. Some of you may not have tried to raise any plants from seed yet, and we need to remedy that. Here is the Don Hyatt Procedure, which has been very successful for me. I am convinced that raising plants from seed is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. Rhododendrons can bloom in 3 to 4 years from seed, azaleas even sooner.

Container – Any clean pot will do. The only requirement is that I must find a clear plastic bag that will cover that pot and leave a bit of headroom for seedlings to grow inside.

Plastic Bags - I use clear plastic bags to create a mini-greenhouse. It will keep the humidity high inside while the seedlings grow during the winter months. I will not have to do much of anything for all winter long but watch them grow. Should small seedlings dry out just once, they usually die. This method means they will succeed on their own in spite of my tendency to neglect my plants.

Medium – I use my standard rhododendron medium: equal parts peat moss, sand, and perlite. The medium should be moist but not wet. Sand is not required, but I like the weight and texture it provides. If you use sand, make certain you avoid forms that have any lime or salt content since that can be toxic to rhododendrons and azaleas.

Planting - Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the medium. Do not cover them with soil, but place the entire pot inside the clear plastic bag to create that mini-greenhouse. You may mist the seed lightly with water but the 100% humidity inside is usually enough moisture to initiate germination.

Light – Rhododendrons and azaleas do require adequate light to grow well. I use inexpensive “Shop Lights”, fixtures with two fluorescent tubes that I suspend about 12 inches above the containers. The lights can be plugged into a timer that keeps them on for at least 16 to 24 hours a day. Another option is to set the containers on a bright north or east windowsill that doesn't get too much direct sun since heat can build up inside.

Care - Seeds should germinate in 3 to 4 weeks. In most cases they will require no additional care until spring when seedlings can be transplanted into flats or individual pots. The condensation on the bag usually falls back into the pot so there is no need to water. If the medium was damp to begin with, it usually remains damp unless there was a hole in the bag. Avoid fertilizer when the plants are under low light conditions since seedlings are more prone to disease problems.