Hi Linda, my first guess is that the seeds are not recieving enough light/heat to germinate. I sow seeds every year and have learned not to depend on the "cookie cutter" instructions on the back of the package. Gerber daises are a full sun lover. Try moving them to more light. I have mine in an egg carton with a window cut out of the top. Works real well for me. I dont waste money on those expensive seed trays, so I have more money to spend on more seeds! Happy Growing, Deon Sims

If a seed says it needs to be scattered on the soil surface without being covered it usually means light is needed for germination. When light is needed the light in most houses is not enough and more light would need be provided. Al

I totally agree with the two responses. Gerber daises do require alot more light than they were receiving.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seed Germination

I am not sure about light, but I have read many times they are not very dependable germinators. Although commercial seed helps, if the seed was given to you by a seed collector, it may be infertile.

I have typically found that it helps to place other types of stubborn seeds over a heating register in the house. I usually place a cooking rack over the grate so it is not right on top, and then put the container on top of that. Significantly warms the soil. I would not give up on your seed yet. It may still be good, just needs to be warmed up! Perhaps exposing it to some light would be good too though.

Thank you

I did have it on the fridge in the kitchen. I will move it to the dining room. Both of these areas are high and right next to the heat return. Get good light. I have two 6 month old very active cats and window sills are not safe. Plants I don't think have a chance either.
I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Linda

Many gardeners have no concept of light levels. Although they do not expect the average camera to take indoor pictures without the flash, plants should respond to the same light levels. Walking around your house with a meter reading in foot candles and then walking through the door into the real daylight, is indeed an "enlightening" experience. Al

Honestly, I really do not think you are going to have any luck unless you can get these things in some real light! Even if you do get them to sprout, they will not do well.

A windowsill is not a good idea either, they need more then that. I highly recommend you get a small fluorescent light, even just a under cabinet 18" or 2 foot light, preferably though, get two lights on them. You could set them up in an area that is away from the cats, or perhaps take an upside down laundry basket to keep the cats off them.

I did also hang a light up with them. I don't even know what kind of a light fixture it is. It large and round and clamps on the side of my china cabinet but I have a plant bulb in it. I did realize after my last response that the lighting wasn't good since I do have some seedling. Its not warm enough to put them in my laundry room with my larger light hookup. Room has no heat, gets a little chilly.

Does anyone have this information (http://www.backyardgardener.com/tm.html) on a spreadsheet file that would share it? I would rather not duplicate someone else's effort.
Thanks,
Martha

I have a good book from Ball seed. They say cover seed ,light and temp.to germ at 68-72. 10 -14 days to germ. Growing on at 65.