why oh why won't the lettuce germinate??

[mrsbusy]

I did really think about putting this on the rant thread because I feel like having a mega tantrum.
I got my peppers, my aubergines, my sweet peas even the parsley germinating fine.
The lettuce just won't get going.
So I firm the compost, moisten it, sprinkle the seeds on top - firm them in a bit - cover with a bit of glass and put them on a bright but not direct sun - window ledge at 10 -14 degrees c. They don't dry out - but don't do anything. I started some off on 22 Jan - nothing. I did some more and put them in a slightly warmer room - nothing. The variety is May Queen - fresh seed this year. It was the same last year - I can't get on with lettuce. I tried putting the seed in the fridge for this second lot.
So - over to you please - what am I doing wrong?

[lottie dolly]

Just maybe you are pampering them a bit,as they not like it to hot,also i always put a thin layer of compost on top,as long as they are frost free,and damp,and seed coverered in compost,have another go,and say ,darned you,you will grow,just looked them up,keep moist and cool,

[marchogaeth]

Put them in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours after you have watered them. In a plastic bag so they don't dry out. Then keep them moist on your window ledge.

[mothhawk]

You could try lightly covering the seeds with vermiculite then give an overhead sprinkle of water to dampen the vermiculite, and cover with your glass. That will keep the seeds moist while still letting in the light to allow germination. You've got them at about the right temperature , they need to be below 20C, but 10C - 15 C is what most instructions recommend.

[mrsbusy]

ok folks thanks you - the first lot from 22 Jan were covered with vermiculite I forgot to say altho not much. I will try the fridge option.
No one mentioned get a different brand of seed which I have wondered about. It was the same last year - I ended up buying seedlings from a local stall holder at the WI market.
Maybe I should ask mrbusy to sow them - maybe it IS me!!

[Jimmy]

Lettuce don't like it hot. Mine won't germinate in the GH in Summer, I have to put them outside.
Jimmy

[Penellype]

I have very mixed results with lettuce, which I tend to sprinkle on top of a pot of compost, water in and put into my grow light garden where the temperature would be in the 10-20C range. Here are some of the variable results I've had recently:

Emerald Oak (new seed in 2016, no sow by date) - no germination at all from 4 attempts last year and this, including trying outside.
Lollo Rossa (sow by 2016) - no problems, germinate quickly
Mixed Salad Leaves (sow by 2014) - poor germination but some plants grew ok (packet has been open for at least 4 years)
Relic (sow by 2017) - no problems, germinate quickly
Salad bowl mix (sow by 2016) - just sown some of these, germinating within a week
Valmaine (sow by 2017) - no problems, germinate quickly
Warpath (sow by 2018) - no problems, germinate quickly
Winter Gem (sow by 2017) - ok in 2015, poor germination 2016, nothing at all this year.

The seeds are kept in their original packets, in a shoe box in my utility room, which is the coolest room in the house.

[vixylix]

I have mixed results with lettuce too - I've only ever direct sown outside, and just keep sowing til something shows up

[mrsbusy]

ok so I feel a bit better that it is not just me! I will keep trying. Thanks all.