[Grubbypaws]

Is any one else having trouble germinating courgette seeds? Courgette defender F1 in good quality compost placed in a propogator at 20C. Same as every other year but dire germination rates. First sewing got 2 plants from 8 seeds. second sowing of another 8 seeds 11 days ago and so far none have germinated  I have grown courgettes using same variety and technique for years and never had a problem. I have changed supplier to Kings Seeds but they have a good reputation so I am not sure what is the problem?

May be forced to buy some plants this year 

[Nobbie]

I always chit mine in margarine tubs in the hot press so you know if they’re viable in a couple of days, it also eliminates any chance of dodgy compost causing rotting. With the move to peat free there seems to be a lot of pretty rough stuff around. Old yellow seed only got 1 from 4, Lidl round ones almost 100%, T&M climbing ones 2 from 3. Plenty of time to sow more.

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

Last year I really struggled but that turned out to be it being a bit too cold of them.

This year I've kept them warm and pretty much 100% germination for squash and courgette. I chit them on kitchen paper and then pot up.

As said already plenty of time to sow more.

[coldandwindy]

I find they don't do well just sown into compost & put on a heated tray. I don't think the actual compost gets hot enough for them done like that.
I put them on a big wad of folded kitchen roll, very damp, slide it into a freezer bag, fasten the top of the bag to keep moisture in & then lay it directly on my heated tray.
They make roots in just 3 or 4 days. When the root is about an inch long I transfer to compost & they grow away well.
Hope that helps.

[Hampshire Hog]

Sounds good coldandwindy I’m going to try this as a back up to the seeds I’ve put in pots in a propagator. Cheers HH