We need to know the problem to advise: what happens to tbe seeds- rot, fail to sprout, white color on seeds, fungus? what is your techniique ? Floating, soiless media

Bragu,

I find that even with my own seeds that I know are fresh, there can be great variability in the germination rate. Even some seeds that are several months old if stored properly can have a germination rate as high as fresh seeds.

And I find with all batches of seeds, that even if the germination rate is very good a few of the seedlings won't be as vigorous as others and just don't seem to want to grow on.

All in all, the few times I have purchased seeds from EBay I have had good luck with germination even with some that I knew had been selling lots off for several months and I bought one of the last lots.

Also if germinating seeds with reticulatum in them, they do take much longer than other seeds.

I have the best luck floating them in water although I know some people sow directly in the soil and if you do use the soil method I would suggest you use a very light and airy mix with lots of perlite for best germination.

This is just my opinion based on my experiences but others may have better suggestions for you.

Donna

I'm floating mine and changing the water every few days. So far, each batch that I am floating (4 separate batches of seeds) has had some sprouters. Now I had 50 of the same seed, and placed 25 seeds as a 'test' batch in a very light soil … the other 25 went into water. I have had 5 of the 25 in water sprout over about three weeks, 4 of which appear to be quite vigorous, and happy to be alive. Nothing yet from the soil. If I get nothing else, I am okay with that, with that batch.

Now the other ones, I'd like more.

Thanks for the responses.