This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices, and was last updated by charles 13 years, 3 months ago.
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Hello Ann, welcome to the forum,
You are not alone in this difficulty of lettuce germination in summer, and I think there are two factors. First that lettuce germinates better in cooler temperatures, as you are experiencing. However I find that seed does germinate, and then grows fine, from sowings in July and August when seed trays are placed underneath the greenhouse staging, in temperatures of around 15-20C. A July sowing is worth making, to take over from May sowings which may result in some varieties flowering by August if it has been a hot summer.
Also I think there is a question of seed viability. Whether seed we buy is older than it used to be or just less dynamic, I find a greater difference between most (not all) seed I buy and the seed I save here, which shoots out of the compost compared to growth of bought seed which often seems reluctant and hesitant, even though it does germinate. I have noticed the same thing with squash and courgettes.
Some of my better seeds last year were from http://www.stormy-hall-seeds.co.uk, http://www.realseeds.co.uk, http://www.OrganicCatalogue.com and Mr Fothergills!
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