Question: I have trouble getting petunia seeds to germinate when planted in the spring. I have been told that I could have fine plants from seeds sown in the fall in a cold frame and covered with straw. Can you tell me about this practice and perhaps suggest other seeds that could be sown? JL, Ohio
Answer: Petunia seed, especially the finer varieties, requires exact conditions and careful attention to secure germination. After they are up and well started they are quite sturdy but at first they need special care. It is best to start them indoors in February and later place the seedlings in the cold frame after they are well established. Prepare a shallow tray for sowing the seeds by placing a two-inch layer of peat moss in the bottom. Cover this with an inch of screened good garden soil. With the edge of a board spread this soil smooth and level. Then on top of this soil scatter one-fourth inch of vermiculite and smooth it out. Set the tray in a shallow pan of water and leave it until the vermiculite has absorbed all the water it will hold. Set the tray in a warm place after it has drained and sow the seed on the surface. Cover the tray with a newspaper and leave it covered until the seeds begin to germinate. Do not water unless it is necessary and then use a very fine spray so as not to disturb the vermiculite. After the plants have made two leaves lift then and transplant them so each plant has from four to six square inches of space in which to develop.
