Germination problem

[lumierefrere]

Last year no matter what I did I couldn't get Kasachstan Rubin seeds started. I tried everything I knew--little pinch of blue stuff included-- and had no success. I sent to Manfred for more. And those didn't start. This year I bothered everyone for more seeds and I have them from 3 sources. I began the process early to insure I'd have KRs this season. They're not starting again, not from any of the 3 sources.

Approx. 3 weeks ago I did a germination test on some Honey seeds I "saved" from last season. Which means I left them on a coffee filter and forgot them until I found them buried under paperwork the beginning of Feb. No gentle treatment. I put two on a piece of wet paper towel in a sandwich bag and three days later they germinated. Now I have 2 nice Honeys. (very good variety btw)

I manage to start 70-100 plants a year. What's wrong? What can I do better? Did they get crushed/damaged in transit? They look ok. The people who sent them are "experts", far smarter than I am about it so I'm sure it has nothing to do with them.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have about 3 weeks before I'm entering the time trouble zone.

Barb