Saintpfla, morning glory and moonflower seeds need to be soaked overnight before planting, or nicked slightly and soaked, both. You didn't mention whether you did that or not, but if not, that might be the cause of the poor germination. They don't need to be in sun while germinating, though after they start to sprout, you want to increase the light gradually and eventually work them up to it.

Temperature can play a big part in germination. Some people put a heating pad under their seed trays (set on low) to warm the soil and coax the seeds to sprout. I haven't tried that yet, but have heard it helps. Or you can sit them on top of the fridge, where the slight warmth can help.

It does sound like they may have been too wet. Often new seedlings will get what's called "damping off" and rot near the soil line. That might be what happened with the one that is looking poor right now.

Personally, I think starting things from seeds can be a challenge. I nearly always put 3 seeds in each pot to increase the chances of at least one making it. It's tricky to get all the factors just right, but with patience and a bit of trial and error, it's often very rewarding. And certainly the least expensive way to get a lot of plants.

Don't give up! Good luck!

Marcia

Me too. I've tried starting both those seed types with very limited success although I'm pretty successful with other seeds.
I would say the germination rate is low (and I nicked both seeds types) and those that did germinate didn't really take off.
I did get a few morning glories to finally grow and bloom(some red and some Grandpa Ott's) but the moonflowers didn't (and I had 3 different seed sources). Maybe it's just been too hot here is Zone 10 Naples.
My sweet peas from seeds are also sulking instead of growing and blooming and it's been months now.

Marcia: yes! Damping off! that is exactly what seems to have happened! I think the moisture with the lid was too much for the three seedlings. My fingers are crossed on the sole survivor making it...

I am aware of the soaking piece for morning glories, etc. But have to say I did take a short cut and didn't knick them. The were so tiny, I knew I would knick myself instead. I was able to knick the Moonflower, but no such luck.

Naplesgardener: I have to say, I share your frustration. My other seed packet is also Sweet Pea and I have even attempted to grow them yet! :-)

large seeds can take a long time to germinate. Nicking & soaking help, but often just forgetting about them helps, too. lots of seeds need just the right conditions -- give them time, and those conditions will probably arise.

i start hundreds of seeds... i don't claim to be particularly great, but i'm pretty good. i cannot recommend highly enough coir as a medium -- it really seems to take care of the damping off, and it's cheap and convenient. i use a big old plastic storage box (clear sides, clear top) and plastic 3 oz cups (the kind you give kids for bathroom cups) that size cup seems to be just big enough to allow me to transplant from cup directly into the bed, without any potting up.

i drill holes in the bottom of the cup (stack 10, use a drill), fill with coir, tamp it down a bit, sow my seed, put it in the box, cover... and wait. as soon as they germinate (if you see ANY changes), take them out of the box and give them good airflow, but limit their exposure to wind, sun and rain. (that's tough to do.)

i, too, suffer from damping off, but exposing the seedlings to some filtered sun and lots of air movement will help.

oh, and be like nature -- generous and patient.

Not to downplay your hardship, but moonflower seeds have been rather easy for me.

I knick them with a knife or nail clipper, then immerse them in a glass of water overnight. The next day I plant them in plain potting soil, and a couple of days later I have shoots galore. Some do die off, but that's the name of the game. I keep them moist but not wet until they grow up a bit and can be planted out.

My trouble with moonflowers is spider mites. Any vine I've grown that gets to flowering height is soon annihilated by spider mites in spite of all the remedies I try. Dang.

Ill, do you soak the coir before using it? Or just mist it after you have sown the seeds? And do you open the box daily to air it out, or just close it and wait until they sprout?

Marcia

Okay...what the heck is "coir"? Is that like potting soil?
I feel like an idiot...I should know this as I am not a 'newbie' gardener. I like the plastic box/dixie cup idea. I think I'll look into that.

MusicMan: okay, now, that was just plain mean...that's why you get spider mites. ;-)

Well...I just checked on "Fred", the sole surviving Moonflower sprout. It looks like he crossed to the 'other side' along with the other sprouts. Drat.

I'm hoping my morning glories make it...come on guys! You can do it!

coir is the hairy stuff on coconuts. it's a byproduct of the coconut industry. your mats outdoors are probably made of it -- it's basically pure lignan -- tough cellulose that never gets compacted and take a very long time to break down, allowing excellent airflow (very important for little plant roots!). (it's very low in nutrients, too -- which is a GOOD thing with germinating seedlings, but means you eventually need to feed the seedlings with foliar/liquid fert.) i buy mine from the same place i get my supreme neem for roses and veg -- see link below. it comes in a big brick that you chuck in a bucket of water. one brick is enough for about 100 of my 3oz cups. very convenient, very pleasant to work with, no mixing required.

marcia -- i start the vast majority of my seedlings between november and may -- so i keep the box in partial shade with the top on. it'd get too hot in there during summer -- and summer here is humid enough, anyway. usually, by summer, i'm doing the asexual propagation thing with tomatoes and roses and brugs, etc. no time or space to do seeds.

Here is a link that might be useful: coir

Thanks, Ill...I start mine over winter, too, when I'm in the mood to mess with seeds. (I'm SUCH an "Instant Gratification" kind of gal! Don't always have the patience for them.)

I found the cutest little galvanized tin and glass tabletop greenhouse at Target the other day. It came with six clay pots, peat pellets, and herb seeds. I planted it up and have that sitting on my breakfast nook table, by the window. Hope they will sprout there. I can't keep many houseplants with four cats, but the little greenhouse would be cool for seedlings, and for things like African violets, perhaps.

Marcia