Question
I have some pear and citrus seed imported from Albania. I am worried, in the past the pear and citrus seed I've tried to propagate have died. All the times I've tried they have sprouted nicely put about 1 or 2 pairs of leaves and then died. I cannot afford this to happen because i won't be able to import these seeds again.

Answer
Hi Will,
Thanx for your question.  I would make sure that I start the seeds so they will germinate coinciding with the onset of spring.  Keep them indoors under lights until they are 6-8 inches tall.  Do not put them outdoors if you are anticipating severe weather conditions (hot or cold, wind, rain, frost, snow).  After seeds germinate and have their first set of true leaves, gently prick them out and plant them in separate pots.  Keep them under 40-watt shop lights suspended about 8 8 inches above the plants and make sure they get light for about 12 hours a day.  Feed them with 1/2 strengh balanced fertilizer 12-12-12. When the plants have reached 6-8 tall they can be placed outdoors but first, place them in a protected area where they will be shaded and protected from wind, rain, etc. for 10 days.  AFter that, you can transplant them into the garden.  Make sure they do not dry out and you feed them every 10 days or sow until they are well established.  They should grow rather quickly after that and you can use fruit tree spikes to fertilize them.  Citrus remember is generally not hardy in the U.S. except in central and south Florida, South Texas, Arizona, California and Hawaii.  There are some varieties though that will grow along the Gulf Coast and even in parts of Oregon.  I hope this helps.
Tom