GENERAL SEED PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

It is always best to start seed indoors where you will have better control. Never use garden soil for germination. We regemend a soiless potting mix which can be purchased at your local hardware or garden center. Days to Germinate is always approximate. If you know anyone who can consistently predict this please have them contact us, we would love to have them predict our future.
Two factors which you can easily control to improve germination are soil temperature and the amount of light. If the seed package says 'light' do not cover the seed. If it says 'cover' the seed it must be covered since it needs darkness.
As a general rule the seed should be covered with media equal to the seed thickness. If nothing is stated on the package then you have an easy to germinate variety.
Some seed is very sensitive to soil temperature. We always regemend using room tempurature (72 degree) water for germination. You never want to 'chill' the soil and delay germination. If your media temperature is too low or too high you will delay germination.
If the seed needs light to germinate be sure to press the seed to make good contact with the media to enable absorbing moisture. Remember that hot sunny days can dry out your media faster than you may realize. This will stop germination dead in its tracks. Be sure to check your media at least twice a day. Do not over saturate the media (except 48 hours to breaks down pelleted seed) or your seeds may rot.
When sowing pelleted seed soak the media after planted at least 48 hours to break down the clay pellet. Then resume normal watering.
pH : This is the acidity of your media. Under 7 is acidic, over 7 is alkaline. As a general rule we prefer 6.2 for germination and growing on. Petunia group prefers 5.6-6.2. Geranium group prefers 6.2-6.8.
Some seeds have a hard coat that prevents moisture from getting in. For these you can nick, scratch, or file outer coating until you can see the meat insideand thensoak the seed overnight in warm water. Examples are Morning Glory, Dracaena, Asparagus sprengeri, Lupines, Canna seedsetc. Remember annual seeds are always easier to germinate than perennial seed. Be patient!