How to sow seeds that need cooler temps now that is't warm?

I've got some seeds that I want to sow that need anywhere from 55-65 degrees for germination. Well those days are pretty much gone now...Is there such a thing as a cooling mat?
I've been trying ice packs in a cooler but w/ them needing light the ice packs melt pretty quick and then the seeds trays get warm.

Anybody got any ideas besides NOT doing these seeds right now?

How about popping them in the fridge and cooling that way?

I thought about that but wondered if it would be too cold. It's Blue Shrimp Plant Cerinthe major Purpurascens and Greek Shrimp Plant Cerinthe retorta.
Germination guide says 60-65 degree...I had one germinate last week. I had the flat in a north window. But it's even warmer now and I can't maintain that temp except at night.

mjsponies
First, when it states that the seeds need light all that means is surface sow. Do not cover seeds with soil. It doesn't literally mean "light" Most small seeds are surface sown because they would never make it to the surface if covered. The food stored in the seed would be used up, along with the energy to reach through the soil.

How about picking a spot in your house that is the coolest, (north side) then putting the container on the floor. Heat rises and floor level is coolest. Don't worry about light. They only need light (as in light) when they have sprouted.

MJ, I just started some Cerinthe major purpurascens with no problem, and it's been well into the 70's in the house, and staying pretty warm at night as well. In addition, I stuck them under lights which added an additional little bit of heat. I started them late last year as well, and they were fine then too. I had no idea that they needed less heat...I guess ignorance is bliss in this case? (Just watch, now that I know this, I won't be able to get another one to germinate ;-)). I did soak them for 24 hours before planting them. Have you tried soaking them? Blomma's idea about sticking them on the floor sounds like it might work as well with these guys, since they don't need to be all that cold. Good luck, these are the neatest plants! Btw, where buy get the Cerinthe retorta seeds? I've been trying to track them down and am not having much luck.

Well, I decided to put them outside under some benches in the shade. We've had a little bit of a cool down here at night. It's quite shady under this bench and I thought that the ground temp. there would stay cooler. I may have a bit too much soil on them so I'll check them (they are not tiny and the germination guide did say to cover 1/16th of inch.
I did soak them also, and spray w/ Superthrive which I do with most hard coated seeds.
I have some Agastache "golden Jublie" and Giant Fennel that I want to start and I think that's what I'm going to do w/ them too.
Sunny---I'll dmail you.

Thanks for the dmail MJ :-). I just barely covered the seeds...maybe that had something to do with it as well?

Here is a great seed sowing data base:

http://tomclothier.hort.net/

Here is another that mentions your plant

http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/SeedlistCE-CL.htm

This message was edited Mar 31, 2009 12:10 PM