Re: Germinating seeds in paper towels?

In a message dated 2/12/99 1:17:17 PM Central Standard Time, Jhoeffel@aol.com
writes:

<< 
 Careful, careful with germinating seeds on paper towels.  I've been at this
 for years and I've tried paper towels and wet cotton...problem is, the
 germinating seeds quickly penetrate the towels or cotton and you lose roots
 trying to get them off (out).  And...you have to transplant into growing
 medium as soon as they germinate,  >>


You are correct-If you pregerminate the seeds in paper or on a dish-you need
to plant as soon as they germinate. This works best with seed that is large
and easy to handle.

I have just finished germinating some milkweeds and they work very well in
this fashion (25 seeds out of 28 germinated in two weeks, I have waited up to
three months to get the same in normal soil just planted out side) but
something small like campanula I would rather sow in a small pot.
For me the advantage of sowing in a dish on paper is one of saved space. I can
start many seeds in a small area and as they germinate move them to a pot and
have them spaced out the way I think they will grow the best.

Paul Henjum
Specialty Perennials
Zone 4 
Were winter has come back!!


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