Problems with Little Gem germination

[Jimmy]

I usually sow my lettuce in those 8 celled small tray you get flower in from the garden centre.
4 in one side a red lettuce, currently Amaze
4 in the other side green little gem

Usually put 3 or 4 seeds in each cell.

Of late none of the green ones have germinated, all the red ones did.
I have tried different/new packets of green Little Gem, still same problem.

I know lettuce don't germinate if it's too hot so perhaps that's the cause.

I might try some in a small seed bed directly in the soil.

Anyone else experienced this problem ?
Thanks
Jimmy

[Bren In Pots]

I would have put it down to the seeds but seeing as you've tried different packets it must be something to do with either the compost, watering or conditions.
I'd give sowing in open ground a go.

[nickdub]

You don't say where you are putting the trays, but assuming its in a GH or similar I reckon you're right about it being too hot. No harm in starting them in cells, but put the trays somewhere shady like a cool room to get them started.

[Jimmy]

I learnt not to put them in GH a while ago.
They are on top of my compost bins outside in a shady spot.
I will try a small row in the soil today.
Thanks
Jimmy

[Jimmy]

Whist on the topic of bad germination, I bought a pack of Mamba climbing french beans. Wanted to compare to Cobra. I save some of my Cobra seed from last years crop.
Sowed at the same time exactly the same and covered in perspex to deter mice.
All the Cobra came up and only 1 Mamba.
Sent a complaint to supplier.
Jimmy

[Martin H]

It can be tricky to get lettuce to germinate in the summer. My solution is to sow in pots or modules, then put into a plastic bag in the fridge overnight. The next morning, put them where I want them to grow. Just those 12 hours in the cold seems to start them off nicely.