germinating Fatsia Japonica seeds?

hey everyone,

So i have some Fatsia Japonica seeds and just wondered if i NEED a heat mat as I've read that they need a temp of around 27 degrees C to germinate?

 

I germinated some a couple of years ago with no problem just giving them normal greenhouse temperatures at this time of the year.
Same question is the seed fresh?

 

Yes they're pretty fresh as I'd grabbed a bunch of the berries from an established plant last week. I've covered the pots with cling film but as i don't have a heat mat i only have the option of either putting the pot under my grow lights, in my green house (but the temperature seems to fluctuate in there or i can put them inside my airing cupboard

 

I dont think you need heat at this time of the year.
You dont need grow lights either.
Its the longest day in a few days time, the weather is warm.

If it was March I'd say yes, but its summer.
Fluctuating temps can be helpful, its more natural that way.

 

Ah ok thanks. I'll put them in the greenhouse then and keep my fingers crossed.

 

Expect to see the first germinate from about 21 days. I'm lucky enough, or unlucky enough depending on your view point, to not have to sow them any more as they self seed here.
When I'm more selective, it's squash the seeds out of the berries and turn your fingers mauve, wash them, normal MPC, lightly cover with compost, clear bag over the top(cling film works but they have to be uncovered earlier because of available height), then three weeks later up they come. no extra light or heat needed

 

Cuttings are faster way of getting decent sized plant.

 

One of the seeds has started to germinate after 3 days!

 

When I tried seed I had a fair few that had varegation ,but none of them survived