[lincspoacher]

Being new to growing from seed, im experimenting. Ive realised that some plants are easy to grow from seed, and other plants are a baitch.

Sometimes, ill plant seeds in seed module trays (using proper seed modular compost from work!), but i get 0% germination.

Sometimes, ill give up, so i turn out the cells to examine the seeds. And sometimes, when i do this, theres no seeds in the cells.   Recently I set some Japanese Hardy Citrus seeds, you cant miss them, the size of small cardamom seeds. They SHOULD have germinated in 7 - 10 days, but after 4 months theres no signs of anything. so ive turned the seed tray out   - the seeds have gone. No sign of them. Not one.

Whats going on here?

[gobs]

Are you sure you planted them?

[lincspoacher]

yep, no two ways about that......definitely planted in there three months ago.......

can they compost or rot if they are too wet ?

[Trillium]

Yes, they can definitely rot - I have firsthand experience. When seeding, you just need to water lightly, then check every few days to lightly water again. Too much water will either rot the seed or cause a surface mold to form which means the seeds have also rotted.
You could always try chitting the seed - put some seeds between damp paper towels and tie into a plastic bag. Check every few days for progress. Once sprouted, carefully plant them into modules or whatever.

[Ruby Red]

Isnt it best probably to start with damp compost initially. Then when you need to just put the module on a tray and water from underneath. You dont get it too wet then.