Hello Karen and everyone,
I am not certain whether the seeds are viable or not.
I sowed 3 different aster seeds indoor last November 2011.
I sowed 150 seeds from each packet.
The packet shows this mark -> "Sow by 2012"
There are still remaining seeds in the packet now.
I thought the seeds may not be viable anymore, so this January, I sow another seed packet from different store.
The packet shows this mark. -> "Sow by 2014"
I sow only 50 seeds from this packet.
It's been a week. I thought I have failed germinating these seeds.
But, after I see your post, maybe I will wait for another weeks.
I live in USDA zone 11. It's 77ºF here.
I forget the latin name. But I remember the packet say that it's HHA (Half Hardy Annual).
and this is the one type aster seed I sowed.
I have not tried using a good commercial bagged potting mix.
I used potting tray, fill it with peat, sow the seed, cover it lightly, and water it carefully from above.
Thanks.
