How long does winter lettuce ( Arctic king) take to germinate?

[kippers garden]

How long does winter lettuce ( Arctic king) take to germinate?...I sowed seed 14 days ago outside in a seed tray and there is no sign of them yet?...The packet is about 4 years old so the seeds could be too old to germinate, though i had a really good crop last year from the same packet, but i just can't remember how long they took to germinate.  I thought if the seeds were getting old then i would get at least 1 or 2 that would still germinate?

Can anyone advise me on whether i should give up on them and order a new packet of seeds or should i wait?

[kippers garden]

[goodlife]

they should have come through by now..but as they are outside..give another couple of days....
Your packet is a bit old..and as it was already opened from last year they could have had it by now.
I would get another packet and start again...by the time you have your new one those already should have germinated..if they do..you have your seed for next year..and do not open them then..they will store fine ;)

[kippers garden]

I was thinking the same thing but just wondered what other people thought.  Thanks for your reply.  I've had loads of lettuces from this packet and it was free with a magazine when i got them....they have paid for the magazine a few times over

[caroline7758]

Mine were showing one day and gone the next- pesky birds/slugs! I shut my coldframe after that!