Starting seed at home can sometimes be a frustrating and disappointing project. Those varieties for which seed is available are sometimes open-pollinated types, and the seed is old and difficult to germinate. The mistake most homeowners make is keeping the potting mix too wet, planting the seed too deep (seed should practically be on top of a moist seedling mix covered no more than 1/8 inch with a light seedling mix) and cold. Seed germination is more likely if the soil temperature is between 68 and 70 degrees F. Humidity should be kept high by covering the seedling tray with plastic and keeping it out of direct sun so as not to "cook" the young, tender seedlings. Once seedlings emerge, they must be exposed to a full-sun condition all day. Doing everything right will not germinate seed that is old and dead.

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