6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
Figs can start from seed but need to be wasp pollinated, which does not always happen. Expect a low germination. I start mine in sphagnum. They also start in soil  sometimes the birds transplant seeds from neighboring trees. Some varieties of ficus are very slow growing, so expect to watch seedlings very closely the first couple of years.
Fresh is going to be better, but you will lose nothing by trying. If the figs were sun dried without treatment your changes are improved.
Most people will encourage you to start by cutting. I encourage seed experimentation  I have obtained some rare varieties not available by cutting just because my seeds germinated.
I had 1 tray get hit by what I can only imagine was Damp off this year... I started watering everything else with either chamomile tea or 1:9 3% peroxide less frequently (currently bottom watering 1x/day, but was misting 2x/day) and placed 24/7 fans on everything... Also started bringing hardier plants outdoors on warm mornings for more "breeze". Luckily, no other trays have been hit so far. Hope that helps,
Amy
You need to make a nuisance of yourself at all of the local garden centers! Spy and take notes about what they carry so that you can exert your energy on plants that won't be so readily available. I began seeing 'Silver Falls' at the stores several years ago.
All of the work is really worth it when you know that you've produced something a bit out of the ordinary.
I germinate lots of Gaillardia from my own seed. In fact the FanFare shape seems to show up naturally in my garden.
Gaillardia needs hot temps to germinate here so I have to wait until June to start them. In your case you can start earlier. Just put them in soil any which way-they will germinate in spite of what we do. Good luck.
I tend to late winter sow or spring sow them. Fanfare shows up in my batches too. Seems like the Fanfare is a little shorter lived than regular gaillardia. Perhaps 2-3 years for mine.
Ditto on the shuttlecocks. They know what to do and which way to grow.
My first set of seedlings were planted and the squirrels dug them up (same as last year). I bought repellent, and it worked part way.
I also planted lettuce and peas in tubs and the squirrels dug large holes (same as last year).
Therefore: I laid down plastic chicken wire, pegged it down, and replanted in large and small containers. I now have spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, squash, cucumbers in the protected tubs or buckets. We are eating the spinach and lettuce - they really look good and taste great. The squirrels have tried to dig, but have finally given up.
I also have new seeds in baggies outdoors. When they are ready I will use the chicken wire this time for the garden. I have spent too many hours, too much money, and too much emotion to let those varmints win. If it takes wire and pegs, so be it. Carol
When you transplanted your seedlings from their community pot into their individual container they went into transplant shock. This is normal and should be expected. It takes a while for the new feeder roots, growing now, to show new growth on the foliage. All is well. Al
Hi Al! Glad to hear they will be okay! I don't know why i didn't think of that! It looks like the stems are turning a red brown color too. I hope thats not a bad sign. Its been so long since i grew anything from seed i seem to have lost my memory!
Enjoy your day & thanks for your help and support!
Tonia
Nope, not old seed - I've always bought fresh every year. I think I'm going to try a combination of soaking/Saran-Wrapping. I've also read that one way to ensure germination is to freeze the seeds in ice cubes, then just scatter the cubes in the garden. I'll probably try this, too!
I have never soaked or paper toweled or anything!!!I use a potting mix from a local greenhouse, no plant food added, just has the right mix of soil and perlite etc.!
I plant the seeds about 1/2 inch below the soil, cover, with good ventilation, and they sprout plentifully!!!!
Oh...I did use a 4" pot/plastic! and put a bunch of seeds....the containersare FULL of 8" parsley already!!! 1 packet of seeds did 3 containers for me!
I have done it all with morning glories and in the end soaking the seeds overnight and planting directly is equal to everyother method.
>>I put some out in a window box trellis last week and they are vining up it already!!
great to hear.
I was planning on moving them out in the garden next week. we are expecting some warm weather, with not cold nights.... so this gives me hope.
thanks for the info