suggestions on germinatng old seeds?

Hi i am wondefing if anyone has any suggestions on how to germinate old seeds?
I was given around 14 seeds and about 4 germinated. I was using the wet paper towel method.
Any help is appreciated
cheers

Hey Barrygreen..... I have a suggestion but it needs to be done before you soak an old seed.... it is ,,you can VERY GENTLY sand the seed with the side of a matchbox so the shell is thinner and the water can get in easier once you soak it........
but as for what you can do with seeds already soaking... make sure they are sitting in a warm place or even on a heat pad...... and keep them damp....some seeds have have taken 8/9 days to split for me...so be patent ....good luck with that... :^)

Older seeds do take longer, but they have a higher fail rate. I have tried to germinate as many as 20 seeds at a time, without one cracking. But then they were bagseed of questionable age. Seeds are fragile, if they are stressed or exposed to hostile environment, they might look ok but will never germinate.

thanks heaps for the response ill remember that for next time
cheers

also what is the best way of storing the seeds? i have heard putting htem in the freezer is a good way

I put mine in the fridge ... I think it is better than the freezer... I have recently popped a few seeds I have had stored for 2 years in the fridge and 10 out of 10 popped

I poped some seeds that have been rolling around for at least 10 years. Using the paper towel method about 1/2 sprouted. Warm temp helped.

Put them in a dark jar. Not in the fridge as temps can rise and lower creating molds and whatnot..