0% germination, what am I doing wrong

[pmutalik2000]

Stratified the seeds for 7 weeks and then planted in seedling mix, its been more than 4 weeks so far and there is no sign of any germination. Temperature in range of 65 - 70, soil is moist but not wet. Had planted some daylily seeds at the same time and those are doing just fine. So do I just need to wait for some more weeks?

[pmutalik2000]

There are about 150 seeds planted in case anyone is wondering.

[jbergeson]

Seven weeks is not a super long time....any way to put the germination trays back in the fridge?

A lot will depend on the seeds, too. I often get zero percent from polyantha seeds, for some reason.

If you can find a seed and cut it open with a fingernail clipper (sacrificing it as you'll probably damage the embryo) you'll be able to see if it is white and hydrated or squishy and brown (dead). That'll maybe help you decide whether the seeds still have the potential to germinate.

[mntlover]

If you are able to cycle the trays in and out of the fridge, sometimes that can trigger germination.
Duane

[Plazbo]

There's some research papers about germination being better below 15C and above freezing (so below 60F). Seems to generally hold true for me (I sow outside, often directly from hip in March/Autumn/Southern Hemisphere) and usually get a bunch of germination from April onwards (which is typically when night time temps drop below 15C...but it's also typically a "wet" period in a lot of rain so that could be a factor too) so maybe too warm?

A lot will depend on the seeds, too. I often get zero percent from polyantha seeds, for some reason.

They're a little iffy for me (but again, I'm lazy) but never 0%. I've started running them through the 'Angel Wings' seed strain because they germinate like weeds (and in this climate, seems I can roughly do 2 generations a year of 'Angel Wings', already have 3rd generation seedlings from 2nd gen OP...only started first generation in sept 2019), results pending from crosses.

[pmutalik2000]

Thanks folks. Cant cycle them in the fridge, but can put them outside where its in the high 30's to low 40's.

[roseseek]

Be aware that rodents and many birds LOVE rose seeds and tiny seedlings. Using the weather to supply "winter" is perfectly rational. Hopefully, you can protect them against any creatures which would find your smorgasbord delicious.

[Don]

Drop the temp back to ice cold but not freezing for a few days then raise it to to 45 to 55 degrees and hold them there.

As Joe suggests you should check a few to make sure that you have viable embryos.

Where in Massachusetts are you?

[pmutalik2000]

I am in Southborough, close to Framingham