The present invention relates to the field of somatic embryo production, particularly to methods for somatic embyrogenesis of Jatropha from ovules. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and media compositions for somatic embryogenesis of Jatropha curcas from ovules of unopened flower buds. The method is well suited for Jatropha curcas transformation, for producing clonal planting stock useful for large scale Jatropha curcas plantation and for producing haploids, double haploids, diploids and disease-free plantlets.