Abutilon theophrasti
Velvetleaf · Buttonweed · Abutilon-hemp · American-jute · Butterprint

About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
- Habit
- Annual, Forb/herbPLANTS Database
- Native range
- North AmericaGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Sources: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
This source reports three treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty High
Start around January 25, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 70 days to germinate.
5% germination in 7–70 days.
Germination is erratic. Neither a prior three months at 40 nor outdoor treatment made any difference.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Hot-water treatment
Temperature: 140°F 60°C Amount: 10 min
Ten minutes immersed in water at 140.
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
Reported to Deno by Prof. Roger Koide of Penn State University.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around April 3, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Nick or sand the seed coat
Grind an opening through the seed coat.
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 2 days to germinate.
Germinates in 2 days.
Deno prints the percentage as "190%", which cannot be read with confidence, so no figure is given here.