Lots of places sell out of date/unviable seeds not just the doc..sometimes they just get intercepted by the Customs people who use the Xray machines to nuke the crap out of them and for obvious reasons theyll never germ.
The doc has never let me down, but i'm sure some people run into problems, as with many breeders/seed banks.
But that is not under discussion here...
Whereas most seeds will germ just fine within a day or so, it is worth noting that Some seeds can take upto 2-3wks to germinate,also some strains from warmer climates require slightly warmer temps to germ properly..ie. too cold and theyll eventually just die and go mouldy.
I've had a lot of strains in the past that i thought were screwed, and after a lil experimenting discovered that they WILL pop, if either
A) left long enough in the ziploc baggie
B) are supplied with with slightly warmer temps.
C) sometimes the seeds do not have enough vitality to pop strong shells, so a GENTLE scuff in a matchbox line with a piece of 1000 grit sandpaper,will make the shells porous so they can absorb water better,and also a gentle scuff along the shell seam with a STERILE scalpel will all aid difficult seeds.
Be careful not to cut into the seed, just use the side of the scalpel to scrape the seam...Go slowly, dont go too deep and most importantly watch your fingers unless you like visiting the local ER.
Finally, ALWAYS ensure you have CLEAN hands when handling seeds, no nicotine residue etc as this can kill seeds.
Cleanliness will help your success rates.
Also if they are in a ziploc bag for more than a few days, they will need fresh water.. so you will need to change the water and paper towels, as this could begin to mould, which will kill the seed.
hope thats a help.
fRoStY...