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germination frustration :(

so i sow 80+ seeds using cocopeat after 5 weeks only 3 sprouted? the temps are good. what should i do with this rate should i change my media? i keep them moist. im running out of seeds :(
 
I hit a bad spot last year with similar results. I now soak them in Salt Peter and water. I think 1tsp per quart. Soak for 24 hours to soften seed coat. Rinse with water then germinate in damp paper towel & plastic bag. Once germinated, remove seeds with hooks and plant with the hook down. I have hit about 80 to 85% success rate this year. I do use a heat mat & thermostat with with the seeds too.
 
savingprivaterye said:
so i sow 80+ seeds using cocopeat after 5 weeks only 3 sprouted? the temps are good. what should i do with this rate should i change my media? i keep them moist. im running out of seeds :(
How deeply did you plant the seeds? Roughly 1/4" or 0.5 centimeters is ideal. Too deep can lead to poor can lead to poor germination rates. If in doubt, go shallower. If your temps are 70-80°F (21-26 C) they should germinate well, if the seeds are good. If the medium is too wet, it can lead to seed rot. I like to use a medium that is very light and airy, with lots of small perlite (or other agent to keep the medium "open") in the mix. 
 
I always plant in promix... and keep the top misted wtih humidity dome on it.
I had a bit less germination this year because of the very cold temps. After I put a heat mat under it, I got about 50% more germination on my superhots.
 
What were you planting for a variety?
im sure some members like myself would donate to your cause if I had some.
 
thanks everyone to your replies. all appreciated. yeah i sow them 1/4 inch keep them damp. mabe i should change my germinating medium, my research tells me using peat moss is good. but we dont have it here. might as well buy a seeds starting mix. then try again..
 
about the seeds, if you can help me why not. very much appreciated. i like superhots. of any varieties mild will do to. i wanna grow huge this season.
 
Dave2000 said:
Keep in mind that it may just be bad seed.
 
ditto what Dave2000 said. Where did you get your seeds?  Long term storage of pepper seeds needs to be done properly or you will have a bad germination rate.
 
I would say ph of water and temperature will be secondary to age of seeds.
 
No reason to switch to peat from coco. I actually germinate my seeds in an equal mix of coco, compost, and vermiculite. I'll give the benefit of the doubt to bad seed, because even if you don't do it exactly "right", your germination rates should be better than that.

As for soaking, there are so many different ways. Personally, I soak my seeds AND my grow media in seaweed extract. Seeds for 24 hours, medium with every watering. I have about a 90% success rate this year, in a climate somewhat similar to yours.
 
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