Marsha, I'm not sure what method you're using to germinate so I can't say what's going wrong. I can tell you last year I sowed a pack following directions I found on a seed starting database. It said the seeds needed to be soaked for 24 hours and then needed light to germinate, so I lightly scattered on top of the soil. 9 out of 50 or so seeds germinated.

This year I used the seeds I collected from the plants in the fall soI had a lot more to play with. In one flat, I didn't soak the seeds, I covered them lighty with soil (I did this mostly because the seeds like to stay damp), and I used a strand of Christmas rope lights to heat the bottom of the flat. I'd say I had near 100% germination within 7 days.

The other flat I soaked the seeds over night, loosely scattered on the seed starting mix, did not over with soil and used the bottom heat method. After 2 weeks of no germination, I started tossing a little "soil" over the seeds. Maybe one or 2 germinated. Eventually I took the lids off so the 2 plants could enjoy the sunlight, and after about a month, I saw more germination but probably around 50% total for the 2nd flat. At this point, they're still germinating in that 2nd flat, but I just pull & toss into the compost because I have plenty of seedlings in flat #1.

BTW, I sowed around 3/15. Hope this helps.

keesler- I looked for a direct link on your page to email you directly (since I just plugged this on another thread), but have to mention that Winter Sowing WORKS! I've actually never soaked, nicked, or even given them "light" to germinate, and I don't have any problems sowing them this way.
There's a Winter Sowing forum here on GW, but here's the basics:

Get yourself a milk jug. Toss the cap.
Cut a few small drain-holes in the bottom.
Slice it horizontally around the middle, leaving about an inch intact under the handle (a "hinge")
Fill with moistened soil (I sow mine in near-mud...the excess will drain off).
Sow your seeds (personally, I've sown mine just under the soil no further below the surface than the size of the seed- like the depth of a pencil eraser)
Take a thin strip of duct-tape, and seal it shut.
Watch & wait, making sure the container doesn't dry out (I check mine about every 3 days or so, then "bottom water" it if it needs it).

That's it. When the seedlings sprout, just open up that container, and let them breathe. Plant out when they have true leaves. Wah-lah.

I don't think I've posted here before, so "Hello!"

I can second what mmqchdygg says about Winter Sowing Four O'Clocks.

I sowed 5 seeds of 'Tea Time' in a 1 gallon milk jug on 4/4/08. They began germinating on 4/18 -- 4 out of 5. I transplanted each seedling to a 10" pot on 4/27. No soaking or nicking involved, and I just plopped enough soil on top of the seed to cover, then misted the surface to settle them.

This was my first time sowing Four O'Clocks, so if I can do it, then you can do it!

Wintersowing worked well for me too. I took the "tubers" from last years plants and stored them indoors over the winter. I planted them when it turned warmer and have some nice strong leaves emerging.
Has anyone ever done 4 O'clocks from tubers?
Any tips on this?
All the best
George