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DeWitt, Iowa

Can any one explain the exact thing they do and what degree? im having problems...Thanks

4/19/2010 8:28:41 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Alrighty, this is what I do and it works pretty well,

1. Pick your seeds and I suggest soaking more than you need.
2. Soak the seeds overnight, I do 12-24 hours, some do less.
3. Add a little peroxide if you wish- at weak concentrations, it will naturally decompose into water and oxygen which helps root growth. The peroxide you buy is already 3%. Your soak should be 1 part peroxide to 9 parts water or 10 %.
4. After the soak, place the seeds in small pots with a decent soil mix about 1/2 inch down. Make sure the soil mix is quite damp, not wet.( I place mine on their sides to help shake off the seed coat when it sprouts)
5. You will need a heating pad or seed mat. Find a cooler, either a coleman type or styrofoam will work. Place the mat or heating pad on the bottom of the cooler and cover it with a small towel. Place your pots on top of the towel.
6. Place a thermometer in the cooler to monitor temperature. Start with the lid almost closed, maybe open only an inch or two. After 10-15 minutes or so open the lid to see what the temperature is inside. If the temperature is in the mid to upper eighties, your good to go. If it is less than that, close the cooler lid slightly and monitor. If it is higher then you will need to prop the lid open more. Play with it until the temperature inside the cooler stays consistently at mid to upper eighties.
Good luck

4/19/2010 10:14:05 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Andy has some great suggestions...and I would add sanding or filing the edges of the seed both helps getting moisture in and seed coat off after they pop up! Good luck!

4/19/2010 8:04:58 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

That's a good suggestion Duff. After I get the 95 Seca 00 seeds from Al, I'll need a lot of luck to get a few to make an appearance, can't wait.

4/20/2010 9:49:03 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

And after 7 days one 95 Seca 2000 has emerged. Not the most healthy seedling I've ever seen, but it popped so I'm happy.

4/29/2010 9:30:10 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Congrats Andy!

4/29/2010 11:12:06 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Thanks Deb, I'm very pleased that one of them popped. Still nothing from the others but we'll give it more time.

4/30/2010 9:53:23 PM