"MikeCT" wrote in message
...

"Rupert (W.Yorkshire)" wrote in reply:

Depending on which seeds, 50% may be considered a spectacular success.
Which seeds?
---------------
Now retired, having been a gardener for many years, I should know when and
how to sow seeds in the right soil and conditions. You may consider,
depending on which seeds, a germination of 50% is a spectacular success,
I don't. The seeds were supplied by a reputable company that should make
sure its suppliers are not delivering duff seeds. After discussing the
matter with colleagues, I was not surprised to learn that they too have
had
trouble with non germinating seeds, more so in recent years. In the open
garden this could be put down to climatic conditions at the time of
sowing,
but not in heated greenhouses.The non germinating seeds include, lettuce,
spring onion, 'Stargazer'dahlia, coleus, runner beans, chilli and tomato.
For the second year running I have had the most success with radishes,
even our resident four wood pigeons won't touch them.

MCT




For purposes of comparison for different crops, below are the
germination standards for standard vegetable varieties as set
by the US Federal Seed Act for Interstate Commerce.

Most of them are rather lower than might be expected IMO.
I normally get over 90% for toms and caps even after two
years in the fridge, same with beans left in a drawer
for even longer. All started off in trays or pots.
Around the same for most vegetables actually. It's hard
to imagine what you'd need to do to beans to prevent them
from germinating that wouldn't be obvious from their
appearance. Unless they were at least four or five years
old anyway.

Perhaps if you named the company concerned, other posters
could compare their experience.

quote

Artichoke 60
Asparagus 70
Bean, asparagus 75
Bean, fava 75
Bean, garden 70
Bean, lima 70
Bean, runner 75
Beet 65
Broccoli 75
Brussels sprouts 70
Burdock, great 60
Cabbage 75
Cabbage, Chinese 75
Cabbage, tronchuda 70
Cardoon 60
Carrot 55
Cauliflower 75
Celeriac 55
Celery 55
Chard, Swiss 65
Chicory 65
Chives 50
Citron 65
Collards 80
Corn, sweet 75
Cornsalad 70
Cowpea 75
Cress, garden 75
Cress, upland 60
Cress, water 40
Cucumber 80
Dandelion 60
Dill 60
Eggplant 60
Endive 70
Kale 75
Kale, Chinese 75
Kale, Siberian 75
Kohlrabi 75
Leek 60
Lettuce 80
Melon 75
Mustard, India 75
Mustard, spinach 75
Okra 50
Onion 70
Onion, Welsh 70
Pak-choi 75
Parsley 60
Parsnip 60
Pea 80
Pepper 55
Pumpkin 75
Radish 75
Rhubarb 60
Rutabaga 75
Sage 60
Salsify 75
Savory, summer 55
Sorrel 65
Soybean 75
Spinach 60
Spinach, New Zealand 40
Squash 75
Tomato 75
Tomato, husk 50
Turnip 80
Watermelon 70

http://www.victoryseeds.com/informat...standards.html


/quote



michael adams