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Old September 14, 2016   #3
My Foot Smells
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pulaski County, Arkansas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by habitat_gardener View Post
I've read that peas are supposed to maintain good germination for 3 years, but this year the peas I've planted have had 3% to 50% germination (averaging 20%) for seeds that were dated 2014-2015 (commercial packets). And only 50% for 2016 seed! All of these are either sugar snaps or snow peas, 7 varieties, from different sources.

I plant my seed in 6-packs, and when the plants are big enough I transfer them to the garden.

I wll try one more round, this time soaking the seeds overnight.

If you've had better germination rates, please tell me your secret!

(Last year, I had close to 90% germination for many varieties, doing pretty much exactly what I did this year! The lowest rate was for 2009 seed, which had 35% germination.)

have you tried the wet washcloth in an open ziplock bag trick? constant moisture contact at the seed level.

you do not mention the time frame of your observation either. I've had seeds come up "later" and "much later" - esp. if the stock is older.

however, I always direct sow peas, so advice is just some thoughts.

good luck to you.
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