Question
my packet instructions say seeds need darkness to germinate;how much darkness? is on top of the frig. dark enough if it's up and away from direct sunlight?

Answer
Best result is had, if you fill a container with moist seed starting mix and then surface sow the seeds. Press them lightly into the damp seed starting mixture with your thumb. Then cover with a light layer of coarse vermiculite if you have any.

Place the container into a pan of water to wick up moisture from below and when the surface of the soil starts to gliste, move it out and let it drain for a few minutes.

Than cover with clear plastic wrap (or a plastic dome) and put where the soil temperatures are approximately 70 deg F. E.g. in a 75 deg F room, or with bottom heat from a heat mat. Regular room temperatures are ok also, but avoid extra hot or cold rooms. Top of your fridge is just fine.

Avoid soil temperatures much above 75 deg F. Some people chil the seeds at 35-40 deg F prior to planting (e.g. put in fridge) for 2 weeks prior to planting.

When seedlings germinate (in 2-3 weeks) move them under lights immediately, or outdoors in a sheltered position.

Lackspur has notorous low germination percentage, so do not be discurraged by poor results. Also try to grow plants cool (50-55 deg F) after germination, if possible. If you can't don't worry.

To provide darkness, simply cover it with a black plastic bag but check twice daily. At first sign of germination move to lights immediately. The seedlings will stretch or die without lights, and tall skinny seedlings do not hold up well in the garden.

As long as you have covered the pot with plastic, you should not have to water before germination. Do not place in direct sunlight while covered with plastic as soil temperatures under the plastic will increase drastically.