Propagation: I'm curious- pros & cons of plastic vs. peat, 1 by

wrote:
After 35+ years of gardening and sowing seeds different ways I now only do it one way, called the Deno methods.

Here is how.

Seeds with hard seed cover (4 o'clocks) should be nicked to allow water to penetrate. Then soak in hand hot water over night.

Cut a kitchen paper towel in 1/4th then 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. Place in room temperature to germinate.

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 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.

The beauty of this method is that there are no wasted seeds. I have done this mainly with perennials, then stratified (moist cold) them in the fridge for 3 weeks. Annuals don't need the stratification.


The photo is of Datura inoxia (Moonflower) seeds sprouting in a paper towel, prior to potting.