Propagation: Best mix for propagation?, 1 by

wrote:
Here is to no damping off, gnats, heat mats, soil etc, etc, to germinate seeds.

Cut a regular kitchen paper towel in half and wet it. Squeeze out the excess water. Fold it in half. Place the seeds in a corner and fold one end over the seeds. Place this package into a ziplock bag and zip it, leaving a small opening to blow air into the bag to fill like a balloon. Once filled, zip it closed.

If the seeds need stratification, place in fridge for 3 weeks, then move to room temp to germinate. If not, skip the fridge and place in room temp.

Sprouting time depends on variety. Check the seeds daily, starting after the 3rd day. Use a tweezer (grasp the seed casing) of those that have a radical (tiny root forming). Transfer to seed flat or pot. Make a hole with a pencil and guide the root into the hole. Plant at recommended depth, spacing 1" or more, apart. If the roots have grown into the paper towel, just tear the towel around the roots and plant it. Do not try to remove the roots from the paper.

Until the sprouted seeds have broken through the soil, they do not need light. However, once they do, grow them in a sunny window, under light, or place the flat outside in a protected area if weather is warm.

Small or tiny seeds
You can sow by mixing them in a container with moist peat moss. After germination, scattered the peat/seed mix over the surface of seeding mix or potting soil and gently pat the mix down to be in contact with the soil mix.

This is now the only way that I start seeds. It is almost foolproof. Below is Scabiosa seeds still in kitchen towel just prior to planting.