I would just cover the seeds with a little grit, start them off in pots or pans in spring, {or autumn} put them in a cold frame, when they're large enough to handle, pot them up and keep in the cold frame for the first winter at least, although they're fully hardy young plants can be damaged by frost, you can also take root cuttings in winter, Derek.

I started a packet off in a sunny window last summer. You will get close to 100% germination starting off in a warm (20C) place first then a cold frame. Lovely large leaves even with seedlings! In a few years you can pollard them to get massive leaves and rapid growth.

I have 3 huge Paulownia at work and they seed everywhere. The seedlings germinate in the cracks of the paths, the flower beds, everywhere. Good luck

Thank you to all of you,is it too cold right now to start off in a none electric cheap propergator on a windowsill? do i need to cover the seeds with vermiculight? . thankyou all again as this forum has been the most help ive had,i will defanatly be keeping on here from now on.

You only want to cover the seeds to stop them being washed away when you water, so I think a light covering of horticultural grit would work better than vermiculite as this is very light, I would probably wait a couple of weeks before sowing, Derek.