[whippersnapper]

I've treated most of my seeds with similar conditions when raising early indoors. Most notable exception has been chilli which needed some extra warmth.

However, I just can not get the celery seeds to germinate successfully. I read that they should be sown on the surface as they need light to germinate. But out of the 12 cells sown, only 2 have shown anything after about 4 weeks and even those are VERY small and not looking promising.

What should I be doing differently?

[richyrich7]

I know it's supposed to be a tricky one. try this
http://www.nvsuk.org.uk/medwyn-williams-vegetable-grow-show-35.html

[whippersnapper]

Cheers for the link! Seems that (a) takes upto 3 weeks to germinate (b) a 'bog type plant' so is clearly going to need plenty of moisture (c) needs even 15c to germinate

Knowing this, i'll give it another go and see how things go...

[pistonbroke]

out of the 12 cells sown, only 2 have shown anything after about 4 weeks


You are lucky wippersnapper, thats 2 more than me.

[whippersnapper]

 

I'll take more care of them now you've said that!

[sclarke624]

Are they self blanching types?

[Cazzy]

Mine were much the same, they took forever to come through and a month later they are still tiny wee things.  I almost gave up on them.

[Paul Plots]

A very helpful informative read...thanks everyone.

Being impatient I know that I had better get my celery sown (not grown it before)... and I'll not empty the lot out after too short a period of time....but wait, keep it warm and wettish.

I guess reading the seed packet would be a good start

[richyrich7]

I guess reading the seed packet would be a good start

 

[peapod]

I guess reading the seed packet would be a good start

 

Pfft who does that?? 

[whippersnapper]

Are they self blanching types?

Yep! Does that make a difference to germination?

[richyrich7]

I guess reading the seed packet would be a good start

 

Pfft who does that?? 

Successful gardeners     

[sclarke624]

Yep! Does that make a difference to germination?

Only in as much as I was gonna say mine came up very quickly and are doing well.  My packet says cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite.  I probably followed to the letter. Wet the compost first as seed is so fine, watering after may push them further down in compost, best to spray with water if you have one to hand.  Also firm compost before sowing.  I didn'thave my propergator when I did mine so I put cling film over them and left in heated conservatory.  Mine were very quick considering it said could take 15 days, can't remember exactly how long maybe a week.

Mine are Celery lathom self Blanching galaxy by T&M and Tango self blanching also T&M.  Tango were slower to germinate.

[Stripey_cat]

Mine last year I didn't cover at all - just pressed the seed down gently so it was in good contact with the soil.  They did quite well, but were pretty slow to germinate (about 3 weeks in good sun).