Tatume germination

habitat_gardener · June 20, 2011

I'm growing a bunch of cucurbits this year from seed -- 3-4 cucumber varieties, 3-4 squashes, and even a melon. They've all germinated fine except for Tatume. I'm wondering if Tatume requires special conditions or takes longer, or is especially appealing to slugs and snails. (I found a slug nestled in one Tatume pot before I saw any evidence of germination, even though I was using a mix of purchased media and was growing indoors!)

I bought my seeds this year from Sandhill and have tried 3 seeds per 4-inch pot twice, starting a month ago. All the other cucurbits got the same watering and light. I also got 3 seeds from the local seed library (this batch came from Baker Creek) and planted them directly in the garden, and nothing has sprouted yet, but it's been only a week.

Does the paper towel method work with cucurbits? I wonder if they'd go moldy more quickly. I have more seeds to play with, but it's getting late in the season.

June 20, 2011	#1
habitat_gardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Central Valley Posts: 2,543	Tatume germination I'm growing a bunch of cucurbits this year from seed -- 3-4 cucumber varieties, 3-4 squashes, and even a melon. They've all germinated fine except for Tatume. I'm wondering if Tatume requires special conditions or takes longer, or is especially appealing to slugs and snails. (I found a slug nestled in one Tatume pot before I saw any evidence of germination, even though I was using a mix of purchased media and was growing indoors!) I bought my seeds this year from Sandhill and have tried 3 seeds per 4-inch pot twice, starting a month ago. All the other cucurbits got the same watering and light. I also got 3 seeds from the local seed library (this batch came from Baker Creek) and planted them directly in the garden, and nothing has sprouted yet, but it's been only a week. Does the paper towel method work with cucurbits? I wonder if they'd go moldy more quickly. I have more seeds to play with, but it's getting late in the season.