germination

[landimad]

Not a happy bunny at the moment.

Could somebody put me right with the germination period in a propagator for Moneymaker tomato seeds. Mine have been in here for two and a half weeks and still no show.
Basic compost mix with perlite added to keep it open. Then covered with a small amount of perlite, then watered from the bottom. Temp in the propagator is 68 deg.
What am I doing wrong, or am I just impatient?

[landimad]

[ipt8]

Thought they would have shown by now. Is the heated propogator definitely still working? Have you used a seed compost?

[goodlife]

yep, should have come up by now...old seeds?
..compost dried out?...Personally I prefer vermiculate for seed mixes..it is warmer and holds moisture a bit better...but I can see anything wrong with you set up...ahh.......hold on I just notice you mentioned you watered from bottom...give watering from top so you compost is properly wet...not soggy...and give few more days....

[Robert_Brenchley]

They should be up in a few days. I had problems germinating mine this year, but a short period of warmth and damp in a propagator did the trick.

[Tee Gee]

I would expect 4-5 days from the information you have given.

I would sow again if I were you!

This is how I sow mine; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomato%20Propagation/tomato%20propagation.html

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomatoes.htm

[landimad]

YIPPEE ;D
9 SEEDLINGS HAVE SHOWED THEIR HEADS.
I just got home from work and looked into the propagator, to my surprise they went cooee here we are.
The seed is from this years bought packet of Johnson's seed rack. Use by date is 2012.
As a lot have said they should have been rose watered not soaked from the base.
Trouble is I do all my seed this way and they come up with no problem.

[landimad]

At last great success with these.
Patients is the way forward. 50 of these plants have shown out of the 60 sown will do me fine.
Thanks to those who have responded. Also thanks to those who have looked at this thread and hope it helps others in the future.