Glenda, I figure you can answer this one. I posted bc I thought it might be of interest to others. So give me some pointers since I have oodles of seed given to me by a very generous person.
I have never started with seeds .I had the first plants give to me and bought the other plants but I'm going to put my seeds in a wet paper towel and check them daily to see when they start sprouting and then plant them.If anyone else has a better way please tell us.
There's some good info HERE, Sharon. Last spring, I simply sowed Lilac LeFleur, Black Current Swirl and a double yellow variety on top of a shallow tray of sterile mix and barely covered the seeds. Those types germinated pretty easily and the single white ones seem to spring up where ever they were growing the previous year, with no help on my part. I didn't bother with pre-soaking or bottom heat, but those things might speed up the process. I have read that some varieties are quite a challenge to grow from seed.
My cousin said that she starts various seeds on a damp paper towel inside of a jar with a lid. She lays the jar on its side and puts it in a sunny window. I might try them that way too. I bought some AT seeds last year and they had a cork coating, didn't germinate too good. I think I will try soaking those this year.
I think thats what I will try I never thought of putting them in a jar but I bet it will work as good as just plain paper towels wet.
I start mine in Peat Pellets, usually with my tomatoes LOL They seem to have the same germination time...