Mine haven't germinated at all. Out of 44 containers sowed, only the four o'clocks and tomatoes have yet to show themselves.

Mine haven't germinated either.

Too cold for 4:00s here in Columbus, Ohio. Not yet.

This is the first year I've done 4 o clocks. I have two different colors (Broken colors and Scarlet) from 2 different sources.

I have 50% germination in one container. In another container all 4 have germinated. The third container has 50% also. I've not given up on the remaining seeds that haven't germinated, yet, because I just recently had one germinate well after the others were up.

I have never, ever had germination of 4 O'clocks, so I bought bulbs of them at Lowes. If anyone can tell me what the trick is I will be ever so grateful!

The Garden Pooter!

I have never had germination of 4 o'clocks either. This is my third year trying and not 1 has germinated yet. I may have to go buy them too. I can't imagine what the problem is.
Joann

Um... that's weird. I have 100% germination on my 4 o'clocks. I have them on a concrete patio. Could it be Bottom heat that does the trick?

I had at least 80% germination of mine last year for a white, broken color and a fushia.
sown 3/28 germination 5/5
sown 4/23 germination 5/6

Vera

I've had just about 100% germination of 4 o'clock seeds every year here in zone 5 MA.

WS seeds around 4/25 every year and they germinate between 5/13 - 5/21 and this is every year.

Some varieties may take a little longer to germinate than others, so don't give up on them.

Fran

I have one seed in a container of about 12 that is starting to germinate (it has a root going down, no leaves yet). A few of the other seeds have that "just about ready to go for it" look. I am keeping my fingers crossed as I have not done these before.

Nancy

Clumsygardner,

That's a good point.. this is my first year for these, and nothing yet. They are on my wood deck, but now that you mention the concrete patio, I think I'll move all my ungerminated containers to my concrete pad...

Hmmm.interesting- different results. I will try that bottom heat too. I can put them on the driveway.

Does anyone nick or soak the seed shell?
Last year I experimented with soaking some for 24 hours, and not soaking others, and I didn't find any difference.

Isn't that weird - even allowing for some will germinate very late, I've never had better than 50%, and some get constant 100%!
What is the secret? :>
hmmm...

ellen

The secret is warmth. I sow them around the first of May in temp containers and set them in the full sun against the foundation on the south side of my house.

Ellen: When do you sow them? When I sowed them in winter, some rotted. I had much better results spring sowing.

Karen

ah, so maybe I sow them too early. I sow them around mid-March.
Fortunately, still got seed! :)

So I'll sow some more. This will be my 3rd sowing of 4 o'clocks.
Plus some will re-seed from last year.

Never enough I say!

Do you stake yours?

My 4 o'clock and Gaillardia always topple over, I'm hoping this year I can remember to stake them before they get too huge.

ellen

My white and broken color were sown mid-march. This year I sowed them some on Mar. 23rd and more on April 6th...I'll let you know what happens :D

Vera

I haven't tried germinating them for a few years now :) I just let them self sow!
but if I have to i just drop them on the soil when the chance of frost is over, cover them up with more soil and presto! In a few weeks time, they're shooting up like missiles!

Sowed mine on April 18th and they all germinated on 5/11.

12 seeds of broken colors, 12 seeds germinated
12 seed of tea time rose, 12 seeds germinated

Have the same results every year for the past 5 years. They need some warm temps and somewhat warm soil to germinate.

Fran

Hi. I summer sowed seeds on Aug 12, and they are just poking up now. Hope they will make it over winter in the garden.
Sudzy