This year I ordered seed from a new supplier called Outside Pride. I was expecting low germination rates due to the (large) amount of seeds I received for price paid...

....so far, their germination rates are excellent! I'd even venture to say that they're running darn close to 100%.

That's all I know about them so far, but thought I'd pass this info along.

Another one that I hadn't used much until this year is Swallowtail Garden Seeds; they're right up there with near perfect germination rates as well.

They do, however, send significantly fewer seeds, but the ones I purchased were specialty items, so that stands to reason.

I like Swallowtail too. While the number of seeds may not be a lot, the price isn't much either.

Karen

I ordered from Swallowtail this year based on recommendation from forum members. Ordered many seeds, shipping appears to be reasonable (I got mine free), well packaged and it took about 2 weeks to get my order. I'm starting some of the seeds I bought indoors. Lots more to start .

As long as they all germinate or at least 95%, I'm happy.

I also tried Diane's and Seeds and More.

I love both swallowtail & Diane's ... and just sowed some outside pride seeds today as well .. they were nice sized seed packs.. thanks for the update.. will do more happy sowing tomorrow!!!

Me too - I have a bunch pre-sprouted that need to be covered.

I just barely managed to get these done today -


Viola Tricolor, Johnny-Jump-Up
Lathyrus odoratus - Sw.Pea, Sugar N Spice
Schizanthus Wiset. - Angel Wings
Viola Witt. - Pansy - Chianti Mix
Viola Witt. - Pansy - Tango Mix
Dianthus - Carnation, King of Blacks
Prunella - Mix
Cineraria - Mix
Cuphea hyssopifolia-Mexican F. Heather

I have different suppliers in Canada, but glad to here that you had great germination. FYI, It may not be the supplier (although possible) that would have any effect on germination %. For example 5-20% no germinate is a good number for Pansies and it will vary per variety. There are very few plant varieties that would be 100%, so if it is close AWESOME!!!

I bought that king of blacks too... even though I don't have luck growing dianthus.. just had to try them.. I have planted a couple of others in the past and they just don't do great for me.. lack of full sun .. they don't really spread much and stay small and wimpy ... but I just love the color of those

Every single one of the Chianti Mix and Tango Mix seeds from Swallowtail germinated using the coffee filter and baggie method.

I like doing them this way because then I know for sure if they will, or not.

[Dianthus]
They don't do all that great for me either, Allison. I'm leaving some of mine in containers this year.

at least I am not alone... figured it would be worth a shot to keep one in a container.. maybe the warmer soil it will be happier with when I see big patches at other peoples homes I get jealous

Last year I managed to kill my Raspberry Surprise ...and it smelled heavenly! It was the first, and only dianthus I'd ever had that had a wonderful scent.

really wow.... and it looked so nice too.. don't think I have ever smelled one before

Think vanilla and sweet rose, lightly blended....ahhhh...yummy.

You know I'll have to find another one this year. I'll simply think of it as a bouquet from the grocery store...meant to be enjoyed while it lasts!

sounds nice.. will keep my eye open for them .. the smell of agastache foliage always makes me happy... rose geranium, and pineapple sage too

I love the smell of agastache. Purple Pygmy smells just like bubble gum.

Karen

I bought aga. root beer this year... and a buddy gave me another... can't remember the name right now.. but purple pygmy is a great one!!.. I overwintered an apricot sprite in my basement.. looks pretty good ... it's in the same pot with a begonia bonfire cutting... figured the red & orange might be cool

I've used most of the seed companies mentioned in this thread- Swallowtail, Diane's, & Seeds and More and been happy with all three.

I found a few old seeds (2007) of the A. Purple Pygmy in my seed stash. Only a few seeds but I wintersowed them a couple of months ago. If I'm lucky a few will sprout.

Karen

I have had AGA seed for years... they should .. I just dug up a pack myself yesterday.. will start em inside though.. I have an absurd amount of seeds this year.. between what I bought and my bud Celeste sent me.. I hope I can get to them all