Check out Stoke Seeds, they have great germination tips at their website.

Yes, I use a bottom heat pad for my Petunias.

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Stokes Seeds Growing Instructions

I did double petunias successfully two years ago, but I winter-sow. Maybe you should give it a try. I never had great luck with seeds till I tried it, and now I starts hundreds of plants from seed.

Good luck!
:)
Dee

Petunias are a snap to germinate - tiny and hard to manipulate, yes (I use a needle to sow them) - but not hard at all to germinate. I don't know if the doubles are tougher to germinate, though, I've only grown the singles, I grow a few every year, I just love the scent on a warm summer evening....

Get pelleted seed if you can. Have not had any less sucess with dbls.