Lettuce Seed Germination

[TheSeedObsesser]

Lettuce used to be one of the easiest things that I could start from seed, but for the past three years I couldn't get anything. I don't think that I've done anything that could affect the germination. I just sow the seed over open ground. Should I try starting them in a seed flat? Suggestions?

 

[majorcatfish]

seed'o in no way a expert, but have learned over the last couple years on starting some lettuce early in the season indoors under light and once the weather turns< aka no frost> transplant them outside and then sow your seeds outdoors once the soil reaches 50 -60.....
hope this helps....

 

[PhilaGardener]

I find that lettuce seed seems to lose viability quickly, so be sure to start with fresh seed. I just tested several lots of seed from 2011-2012 and none of it germinated for me. Lettuce seed needs light to germinate, but if you just sow in the open maybe birds are getting the seed? I also start indoors early in the season, like Major.

 

[journey11]

I second what PhilaGardener says...I've never gotten it to germinate past a second season.

SeedO, try it in a plastic container like you get donuts or salad mix in. I WS'd some of mine and it did great that way too, but I think it may be getting too warm to do that now. Or maybe it would be ok in the shade. That extra humidity in a container should make it sprout well. I planted mine in regular potting soil.

 

[catjac1975]

Lettuce used to be one of the easiest things that I could start from seed, but for the past three years I couldn't get anything. I don't think that I've done anything that could affect the germination. I just sow the seed over open ground. Should I try starting them in a seed flat? Suggestions?

You can always start them indoors but the should be easy to grow outdoors. They need to be kept moist for a week or so and should come up. Try various types of seed. I would think you had bad seed.

 

[Nyboy]

Did you try the Escarole yet ?

 

[Hal]

PhilaGardener is correct lettuce has short viability. If I was saving seed I'd likely keep mine in a sealed container in the fridge to improve the life of the seed.
I've done germination tests when I was studying horticulture and if stored poorly it loses viability very quickly.

 

[bills]

Could it be the seed is drying out, when just sprinkled on the surface of the soil like that.? I usually cover my lettuce seed about a 1/2" after planting, to help prevent them drying out too rapidly.
Is your garden center trying to dump old seed? I often see "specials" on last years seeds..Many are just fine still, but with some the sprout ratio is very poor compared, to this years seed.

 

[catjac1975]

Lettuce used to be one of the easiest things that I could start from seed, but for the past three years I couldn't get anything. I don't think that I've done anything that could affect the germination. I just sow the seed over open ground. Should I try starting them in a seed flat? Suggestions?

You may have to water them 2 X a day until they sprout. But, if nothing is coming up I think you have bad seen. I start mine indoors and then plant seed outdoors when I plant my seedlings.

 

[Andy J]

I haven't had much success sowing them directly into the garden.Also,they seem not to germinate well if the soil is very warm,say over 70 degrees.