I listened to this podcast. It gave some helpful tips that I think I'll try. Think paper towels! I had more questions though. I collected some seeds this year and set about planting seven different types of seeds. Only one, canna seeds, is a seed I had any experience with, so a nick, soaking and planting has given me 90% germination at this time. One pasture plant and Caesalpinia gillieseii were bean types. Soak 'til there is a bit of swelling and plant, though I put a notch on the Caesalpinia seeds because the shell is hard. Germination is 50% or better. Ah, but the other seeds haven't done well. I was able to look one up and found where it needed to be stored at temps around 40F and then needs cold stratification and could take as long as 18 months to germinate. Those were southern Magnolia seeds. Those requirements seem odd to me for a plant that basically thrives in areas where it doesn't stay cool. But it also makes me wonder if there is any way to know if chilling might be needed on the others? I do have another bit of germination on one, so it may have just taken more time or needed more warmth early on. So far it doesn't have many up, but I collected a lot of extra seeds so I can try again if I need/want to. Is there any link to where a plant grows naturally that corresponds to what the seeds need for good germination?

I usually use these for advice about germination and stratification:

Tom Clothier - very detailed:
http://tomclothier.hort.net/


The old Thompson & Morgan Successful Seed Raising Guide is simpler:
http://www.backyardgardener.co...

Thank you, Rick. This was helpful for me. I found some I've planted and, provided I started with viable seeds, patience on my part is what is lacking. Boy! Some seeds just take a long time! At least none are indicating they required that chilling except for the Magnolia. I don't need that plant to germinate anyway. I'd just have to find a home for it somewhere else as it isn't suitable for my location. I was out of town and just waiting for someone to finish an appointment and the tree was dropping seeds all over everywhere, so I picked some up. Have seeds, will plant. That's a problem when they are agreeable and germinate.