Germinating Calendula - where have I gone wrong?

[Oleander]

So, I have sown some calendula/pot marigolds seeds in my unheated greenhouse, some more indoors at home, and some more in a heated propagator.

All sown three or four weeks ago, and about 30 sown altogether.

I've tried to keep watering to a minimum, but at the same time not let the compost dry out.

So far only three have germinated - and they were all in the unheated greenhouse.

I've read elsewhere on the forum that french marigolds are trickier/slower to germinate than pot marigolds, but all my french marigolds have come up and are thriving.

So where have I gone wrong with the pot marigolds?

Oleander

[zazen999]

Have you tested the seeds are ok by germinating some in kitchen roll?

[Oleander]

I'll try that next - should I put cling film over them?

[zazen999]

Yes, wrap them in cling film or pop in a plastic bag. Make sure the kitchen roll is damp.

[mykonian]

I've not had great success with germinating calendulas this year. Mine were planted about three weeks ago in an unheated greenhouse in jiffy 7s which is how I usually do them. So far have only had about a quarter come up - maybe I'm being impatient but I'm sure they are usually quicker than this. Must admit I am trying a new variety this year (Citrus Cocktail) so maybe that's the difference - grown Arts Shades last few years.

[Alice]

I think they must be duff seeds Oleander. Calendula are usually sure fire - the kind of seeds you give to children to make sure they won't be disappointed. In fact they were the first thing I ever grew - I think I was about 6. My mother had calendula in her garden til she died. They were the self sown seedlings gathered every year from the ones I planted as a six year old. I'm retired now.

[Oleander]

I will try the plate, kitchen paper and cling film method as a last resort, and if that fails I'll have to admit that I have got a pack of duff seeds.

I know they only cost a couple of quid or less (from T & M) but I may send them back with a letter explaining why as it has really annoyed me! I have given up valuable space in g/h and propagator and on windowsills that I could have been using for something else!

Oleander

[Alice]

Oleander, use 10 seeds when you do the germination test. This will give you a percentage viability figure (if 3 germinate that's 30% etc). It will give you facts for your complaint to T & M.

[Alison]

Sounds like duff seeds to me. I sowed some last weekend straight onto trays of compost in the greenhouse and without any heat or covers they're up no problems and will be ready to thin out a bit in a few days time. Always throw a few in as they're normally one of the easiest flowers in the world to grow and very cheap and cheerful. If the seed is good then defo no need to use a propogator and give it a few weeks and you should be able to just chuck them straight onto the borders.

[coreopsis]

I sowed mine yesterday-they are in unheated shed.I never grew them from seeds,just put them on damp compost and cover up with some more compost.I never checked if the seeds are germinating fine but I would expect so