Seed Germinating Times and Tips
Germinating seeds can vary from easy to difficult
“Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.” Elizabeth Murray
The Art of the Garden
As any seasoned gardener will tell you, gardening is an art and a true labor of love. The art of the garden begins with learning about the needs of each seed. Germinating seeds is not a black and white “by the book” process. Each seed type is different and desires different conditions and levels of patience. Some, like the Radish and many Lettuces, only ask for a little water and a few days. Others, like the Hot Peppers and some Perennial flowers, need specific temperature and humidity and MONTHS to germinate!
In this post we will give you some basic tips for successful germination, information of the various seed “types” followed by a chart detailing expected germination times of specific seed varieties.
The “Must Know”s for Successful Seed Germinating
Sowing the seed
Most seeds germinate best at warm (70°F) temperatures. Plants from temperate regions, the arctic, high mountains and high deserts often germinate best at cool temperatures. Plants from winter-rain areas like California, the Mediterranean, Chile, S. Africa and parts of Australia also like cool temperatures. Warm temperatures will often speed germination of these seeds, but lower vigor, survival and germination rates. Warm desert plants and tropical seeds like warmth. Please refer to the germination chart below for guidance on germination temperatures for specific seed varieties.
Seed Types and General Germination Tips
Below you will find a chart of specific germination times for many popular garden seeds:
For detailed information on HOW to germinate Pepper Seeds, click HERE
Set yourself up for success!
Other important factors in seed germination are the Soil mix and pH, Pre-treatment of seeds, optimal hours of light, and various seed germinating techniques. We will be addressing these issues in upcoming posts so stay tuned!
Knowing what to expect from your specific seeds and how to best care for them will help set you up for successful germination and save you the concern of wondering “when will my seeds germinate?!”
“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” Swedish Proverb
Happy Germinating!
Hey, great website. I live in Brooklyn, NY. What would you recommend to germinate now for Fall vegetables? It is hot as shit here and we don’t have AC.
Many thanks,
Jeremy
Here is a great resource to help you decide what to plant when, based on where you live:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/What-To-Plant-Now.aspx
Simply select your region, then the time of year, and you will get a list of suggestions of seeds to start indoors or direct sow.
I hope this helps!
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