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?
