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France

I am trying hard to germinate Long gourd seeds.
I have tried 3 times but no success at all.
First try was : sanded and Soaked the seeds 8h and then planted them in potting mix in a germinator box at 90°F. Nothing happens after 15 days.
Second attempt was :sanded and soaked the seeds in warm water for 24h and then potting mix in germinator box at 85/90°F. Nothing happens after 15 days.
Last time was , no sanding, soaked 12h, potting mix at 85°F, nothing again.
I haven't got many seeds left, so I prefer to ask your help.

Thanks a lot
352

5/27/2009 7:23:01 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Just a guess and something else to try...file and soak as you have and use the damp paper towel in a baggie method, and kept around 90* Some potting mixes have "stuff" added that might be hurting your germination. I prefer "seed starting" mix, it is different. Another question arises,
have these seeds ever germed for anyone to your knowledge?
Some seeds are just plain duds! Let me know if you'd like some different seeds to try, just shoot me an email.
Duff
asselinduffy@aol.com

5/27/2009 7:01:03 PM

Fairport,NY

I seconded the paper towel method but also try clipping off just the two tips at the end of the seed. This allows moisture to get in faster, also sand the edges.I had good luck soaking in a thermos bottle with warm water overnight.
good luck I hope they germinate for you this time.

5/27/2009 9:27:57 PM

France

Yes I tried the wetted paper in the zipploc bag at 90°F but no succes again. And yes the same seeds has germinated for other people, ( Eaton seeds).
I don't know where is the problem ? The temperature is stable in the germinator, the seeds are pre soaked so can't find the problem.
Cheers for your help

5/28/2009 3:28:30 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

How many seeds do you try at a time? I always start extra seeds knowing some likely won't germ. Which Eaton seeds are you trying? Just curious.

5/28/2009 7:57:23 PM

France

I tried 124, 106 etc...Each attempt, I start with 3 seeds. I have not many seeds left, So I want to be sur to germinate them.
When you wet your paper, how wet is it ? do you press it ? I placed each seeds between 2 wet paper and press them. Is it good or should I leave it very wet ?
I even try to remove the coat of the seeds, but no germination at all again...
Thanks

5/29/2009 4:47:04 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Nibble away at the hard woody seed coat with a nail clipper.

5/29/2009 6:03:55 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I wet the paper towel and wring out all the moisture I can by squeezing it, then into the baggie on heat mat. I think LG seeds "prefer" to germ in soil less mix over the baggie method...just my experience. But since it wasn't working for you, just thought it might be worth a try? Shoot me an email when time permits...addy above.
Duff

5/30/2009 7:50:01 PM

France

I Nibble the LG seeds , soaked them 1 night and placed them in a starting mix at 90°F since 6 days.
Nothing happens yet.
Still waiting but still worry...
Thanks guys

6/7/2009 8:16:39 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

I didn't have any success germinating the 124 either. Couple friends had similar results. Good luck. Duff
asselinduffy@aol.com

6/7/2009 7:08:05 PM

eastern Ontario

I just read these posts for the first time,I have had other distractions this spring.

Some LGs have seeds that are just no good and I know now that my 124" of '09 is one of those.I sent out a lot of seeds and they are duds,so nobody should waste their time on them.Sorry,but such things happen.

Some other seeds give almost 100% germination (my 88.5 and 122s) Why? Who knows? This is why we should always try to start various seeds.If under the same conditions 3/3 of one LG come up then we have conditions right and the failures from another seed are likely due to the seed,not the grower.

AE

6/11/2009 7:33:31 AM