Some people like to soak big seeds in water (warm or room temperature).
With a little hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in it -
1 1/2 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per cup.
That sure helped me start Salvia seeds! They swelled up with some kind of gel layer, like frogs' eggs, and almost all sprouted very quickly.
I don't really know if the H2O2 does anything beyond discourage fungus, but it might. It seemd to work just as well on salvia when I had no H2O2.
To enhance the effect of a heating mat, add insulation under it so all the heat is directed upwards. I found 2'x2' sheets of drywall (gypsum) at Home Depot for less than $5, I think it was. Of course, any kind of tent over it to keep the warm air in will help even more. But doing this in a warm room may hold in TOO much heat.
Corey
