Problems germinating gunnera seeds

Hey everyone.

I've been attempting to germinate gunnera seeds over the last few months but once they start they begin to turn grey and then die.

Not really sure if I'm supposed to keep them really wet as they're water loving plants or keep them just slightly moist until they're big enough to take the extra water?

 

I would guess they need to be pretty damp, just wondering though, they are probably damping off.
So wet but with airflow to stop the fungus forming.
Sterilized compost would be best.
And probably wait a couple of months unless you have them under lights.

 

There may not be a good airflow but they're currently under lights. Was a little worried the 6 hours of lighting was drying them out.

 

Well, it could be the problem but I thought you said they turn grey, I was assuming that was mould.
Is it suggested you surface sow?
ie. do the seeds need light to germinate.
If so you could try just covering with damp sand just after they germinate.

 

I keep reading conflicting info on if the seeds need light or darkness to germinate too

 

Hi , I would use a grit to cover the surface ... you need to keep frost free and the soil damp not soggy ... a frost free cold frame would be ideal ...

I would plant March / April ( GO WITH THE GROWING SEASON) which would be a ideal time to grow from seed as we dont have the light levels or warmth in January, they dont need light to germinate but only plant a 1cm below the compost , any deeper the seeds may rot ......

Spruce

 

Ah thanks. I bet I've drown them each time. I was thinking to also try some of them growing in a sandwich bag on moist tissue too as an option as well as in pots but not sure they'll do well that way.

 

Give it a go @PhilC ....I always try the Ziploc baggie method first now, surprisingly good results on most things.If not then I return to traditional methods. Nothing ventured nothing gained...as they say.