I've got my new 3-Tier T-5 light system set up and am pawing the ground to start some seeds. I read different directions about when to start geranium seeds (I'm talking the hybrids, not hardy types like Rozanne.) Some directions say start them 10-12 weeks before planting out; others say 12-16 weeks! What's a girl to do? ( I'm thinking I will also use a heat mat.) When do all you experts start your geraniums inside?
I won't be planting out until June 1, 'cause our soil doesn't warm up enough till then, so I do have some time. I just don't want to wait!!

I would start them now. They will be a nice size for June 1st. I seeded Bullseye 2 weeks ago and they are just forming their 2 set of leaves. The black velvet have not germinated yet (might be bad seed pack), they are in the same tray as the bullseye. I did use bottom heat.

Thank you, Joanne, for your prompt response. Yay, permission to start my engines! I have some Black Velvet geranium seeds and I will get right on it. I use the Park Seed Biodome system which has worked well for me as I learn more about seed starting.

I goofed, the bullseye & black magic (velvet) are both up and it is the ivy geraniums that were slower, but I see there are a few up this morning

Thanks, Joanne, I did sow my Black Velvet Geranium seeds Saturday night and have them set up with my heat-mat set to 75 degrees F and some nice condensation on the inside of the plastic cover over the planting blocks--no germination yet, but then, it's only been two days!
I haven't turned on my lights yet; I'm supposed to wait till I see some green, right?
Thanks! I can't tell you how great it is to have this sort of "support" as I learn more about seed starting with indoor light sets.

I leave my lights on. There on a timer, so they are on from 6AM to 9PM

I think it's better to leave the light on for germination, but if you choose not to have the lights on, then watch them carefully and at the first sign of germination, put the lights on.

Joanne, I really wanted to have the lights on anyway--because I keep reading things like "light is needed for germination" on certain seeds so I am going to put my lights on (on a timer for 14 hours) and then my sun-room will have that nice seeds-starting glow!
Thanks for the help.