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Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

Why sometimes seeds doesn't germinate? I keep them watered in room with temperature of 80 F and I think I do everything well, but after a weak in the pot my seed doesn't have even a single root! Isn't it strange ?

4/18/2004 6:34:28 AM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

I'd say your problem could be over watering. I only add a little water to my seed starting mix before filling the pots with it. After the seed has been placed in the soil I never water again until the seedlings are up. In past years I always got 100% germination...
Better keep the soil a little on the dry side than too wet!
If the seeds have not germinated after 10 days take one out of a pot and break it up. I think you will find out that the interior has rotted and smells terrible!

4/18/2004 6:53:43 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Agreed. Most likely problem is too wet or incorrect temperature. Cut a seed open & observe the inside. If it has a pastey gray smelly interior, then it was too wet.

4/18/2004 8:17:22 AM

Atlanta, Georgia

Last year I lost a lot of great seeds due to failure of germination.
I agree with Martin about soil moisture and I think that you should increase your temperature to between 85 or even 90 degrees if you can.
Some of my plants took up to two weeks to germinate but it was nice when they finally grew....

One of my 869.5 Calai seeds didn't sprout the first try but I took it out and dried it and tried it again and she grew...funny huh?

I also never water again after the first watering like Martin. This way I still have a second chance for them to grow instead of allowing the seed to rot.

It's still too early to plant here where I live in Germany though. Thanks for the seed swap this year and good luck!
Michel

4/19/2004 3:03:30 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

I agree. According to Joel Holland great videos, when you squeeze the mix it shouldn't drip water. He said most of germ problem are normally due to low temps and high water.

4/19/2004 3:52:57 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Check your temperature very early in the morning it may be less than you think if you are relying on room heat easiest done with a max min thermometer else just get out of bed at 4 am.

4/19/2004 5:32:04 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Good point Carlos. I mix up our soiless starting mix in a bucket. Mix the water in slowly by hand. Messy. Then I *do* squeeze to test for moisture. What feels right is usually too wet. So I'll mix in a quantity of dry milled Sphagnum until no more than a drop of water can be squeezed out. Then it's ready.

4/19/2004 7:16:04 AM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

Thanks.. It will try to keep the soil dryier. And I'll take the seed out today and check it. Thanks

4/20/2004 4:22:52 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

YEAH!! I opened the seed and what I saw amazed me. The seed was totaly.... HEALTHY and good looking! It was creamy white with some natural green places... just cool. It's a NEW HOPE for me. NOw it is in better soil, less water and I realy hope it to germinate soon. otherwise... :D

4/20/2004 5:02:21 PM

Syracuse, NY

you almost HAVE to have a temp of 85-90 degrees, constant,
SOIL temperature, or else you are not enabling the seed to do its thing.anyplace warm will do, but strive for the mentioned temps!!!!!! 'pal2

4/22/2004 2:33:57 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

HOw to heat the soil ?

4/22/2004 4:21:44 PM

Chesterfield, MO

I use a normal therapy type heating pad switched on Medium with a little towel in between the pad and the pots. It's worth it to get a soil thermometer to verify that you are getting the correct temperature.

Steve

4/22/2004 4:40:17 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Do you have a cupboard with a hot water cylinder in it?
That may be your best bet (I'm assuming that you don't want to spend any money)

4/22/2004 4:56:27 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

Heating pad.. I don't have one.
And aout the cupboard.. intersting realy, I'll look for good one and try it out.

4/22/2004 5:54:50 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

The tops of some appliance will also work assuming they run all the time. Cable TV converter boxes, refrigerators, computer monitors, etc.

4/22/2004 8:26:40 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

Thanks for your advice. The 709,9 Frei germinated today after just 3 days in a pot (my new record)

4/23/2004 1:10:34 PM

Montoursville, PA

If body temperature warmed up to breathing is 98.8 degrees I guess a zip lock baggie could be rigged between your skin and underclothing for just about the perfect germinating temperature. Except for the very most cold hearted lost souls everyone has that warm spot. It would only be for four or five days. Smile :).

4/23/2004 3:46:13 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

The problem is that I start seeds in pots with soil not in zip lock bag or other things.

4/23/2004 4:51:31 PM