6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
They get their 'darkness' because you've buried them in the soil. Those that require light to germinate need to be sown on top of the soil. Tomato seed germination can definitely be suppressed by exposure to light.
Seed germination rate varies because of seed depth, seed-to-soil contact (moisture absorption), as well as other variables. It wouldn't be unusual for this to happen, unless the seeds are sown by mechanical seeders.
well, that makes sense also. So, just for the sake of not losing any, I can open the door of the room they are in, I can take off the towel they are under! Provide warmth and place under lights as soon as any sprouts appear as tuscanseed advised. Believe it or not, I am not new to this as last year had a nice heirloom selection and wound up giving so, so many away. But, so simple, they are in the soil and it is dark down there!!
It depends on the seed and how they're stored, but some seeds can be good for several years(like tomatoes) and some seeds need to be obtained each year(like lettuce). Here's a link to a previous post on the subject. If you do a search on 'seed viability' you should find quite a bit more info. HTH.
Here is a link that might be useful: seed viability
I sow old seeds all the time! Some seeds will remain capabale of germination for quite a long time. Others will become nonviable very fast. I think I have learned this year that ipomopsis rubra is one of those whose seeds don't last a long time.
Some seeds (tree and shrub seeds, mostly) sprout more readily if sown fresh. If you wait until midsummer or so, then you have to go through the whole cold stratification process, sometimes twice, to get them to wake up.
Chliol,
-One gallon milk jugs, washed, holes punched in bottom for drainage
-On one side, at the base of the handle portion of the milk jug, begin cutting all the way around until you reach the other side but don't cut completely through. You want the jug to remain connected at the base of the handle. This creates a "hinged" container.
-Fill bottom with moistened, good quality potting soil.
-Add seeds
-Seal with duct tape
Put container outside with the milk cap off in a sunny location well exposed to rain and snowfall.
These containers are great for sowing just about any seed at any time of year really. But you should come on over to the winter sowing forum and check it out. Other people have different methods of cutting and resealing their milk jugs. The way I described is but one.
Sorry, didn't mean to take over the OP thread but couldn't resist answering the latest question posted by Chliol.
Don't see why not. Your cold frame sounds like a greenhouse ;)
I practice the same starting technique with my greenhouse. The heater I have out there ensures the temp doesn't drop below 45 degrees at night.
I'm always a little skittish moving things out for the first week until I have the temps well under control (ensuring the fans run during the day and heat is working right at night). So for the first few days to a week I'll select some "sacrifical lambs", a sampling of all the seedlings I have to move out, and set those out first. If they fair well after a few days to a week (and I become brave) I'll move everything out there.
I have the same thing but noticed with more light and some sand and tea water they seem to be standing up again. I am going to try a transplant to a larger continer because they are in seed flats now.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Once germinated (that needs higher temps) 60-65 is a good growing-on temp range as it slows top growth, allows roots to catch up, and encourages sturdy plants (assuming sufficient light - very important). It is the temp range maintained by many greenhouses for plants so you should be ok plus your lights will also provide some localized heat.
But basements can be more moldy so good air circ and low humidity will help. Good luck.
Dave
Considering I probably have $5000 worth of plants in there, he considers it a bargain! Still need to know how the daturas should be repotted. Have brugs but this is the first time with daturas. Do they have deep roots or a wide rooting system? Rec'd 1 seedpod from a friend & now have 28 double lavender swirls. Selling all but 2 for myself & need to keep potting those 2 up until they can fill 2 big, beautiful 18" pots. Any suggestions?
Carol
As long as the soil reaches the ideal temperature the seed will germinate.... Again it makes no difference if heat source is below or above the flat.
I've always used the heat from the lights before germination and never use bottom heat. My flats are in an unheated room, too. I've had very good success with my method and I wouldn't change a thing. Your setup sounds fantastic. My only question would be the flat in darkness, not under lights. If you need a heat source for this one, then use the top of your fridge. I still put seeds needing darness under lights before germination, and have put pieces of cardboard/kraft paper over top of the cell packs on these ones. The nice thing about being a beginner is that you will use tidbits from other people and find out what works best for you :)