Troubleshooting Seed Germination Issues

It can be so frustrating when you have started seeds and for some reason, a certain variety or type of seed just won’t germinate for you. However, some seeds are trickier than others to start, and even some of the most seasoned gardeners experience germination issues. If you are having germination issues, here are a few things you can try to help those seeds along. 

Light and Temperature 

The type of lights you use are important because not just any light will do. Some people may just expect that if starting seeds indoors, the lights they have around their house are fine, when in fact, this is rarely the case. Most seeds will need bright, florescent light that are positioned very closely for the seeds to benefit from. 

For temperature, most seeds will not germinate unless the room or soil temperatures are around 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re sowing seeds outdoors, you need to ensure that your last frost date has passed, and if you are growing indoors, check what the temperature inside your house is, but don’t keep your seed starts near a drafty window as those temperatures will be much cooler. Indoor thermometers are a great way to ensure that your seeds are being kept at optimal temperatures. 

Having the proper lighting setup can play a huge role in seed germination 

Soil Moisture 

Newly sown seeds need to maintain their moisture to sprout. If the soil dries out, but the seed was exposed to moisture at any point, the seed could rot, or, if the seed started to germinate, and the soil dried out, the sprouted seed may have dried out before poking out of the soil, leading you to believe that the seed didn’t germinate. Seeds need so much moisture that they can’t help themselves other than to crack open and sprout. You can’t overwater started seeds if they haven’t germinated yet, so until you see sprouts coming out of the soil, keep watering your seed trays or the area outside where your seeds were sown, and make sure you are watering enough to get below all of the layers of soil. 

Growing Medium 

Your growing medium can play a huge role in your seeds germinating or not. For example, some soils might be too chunky with lots of wood bits, that may even be prohibiting the seed from pushing through out of the soil. If there is too much clay in the soil, oxygen and water might have a hard time getting through to your seeds. Seeds don’t really need nutrients to germinate, so something simple such as coco coir might be a good option to try if other growing mediums haven’t worked. 

Some seeds may germinate better completely outside of soil, such as using the paper towel method where you take a wet paper towel and lay the seeds inside on a heat mat, often in a plastic bag because they need more wet heat than other seeds to be able to germinate. 

Your growing medium can make all the difference in germination success 

Timing

Even if you are starting seeds indoors, you may still need to adjust your timing. Even if you keep your home at a certain temperature, there are still fluctuations that happen as the seasons change that may make or break the chances of a seed germinating or not. If you are starting seeds for something that really needs a lot of heat, it’s probably best to wait until your last frost date to start the seeds, even if you’re starting them indoors. 

Seed Needs

Not all seeds need the same conditions to germinate, so make sure you read your seed packets or research the needs of each type of plant you’re trying to grow and be open to changing up your seed starting set up to help get all of your seeds to germinate. For example, some seeds need to be “surface sown” meaning they need light in order to germinate, whereas some seeds, like carrots, tend to germinate better when you cover them up until they germinate. Some seeds, like poppies, actually need something called “cold stratification” which is a period of time being in colder temperatures, and to achieve this, they are often sown outside in the winter, or the seeds are stored in the refrigerator. 

Seed and Soil Borne Illnesses

Some seeds, especially if bought from non-reputable sources, can have diseases that inhibits germination, especially if moisture got into the seeds and developed mildew or mold. The soil that you used to germinate, especially if you are reusing soil, could also give the seeds a disease and not allow the seeds to germinate properly. 

Seed Germination Rates 

Some seeds are just harder than others to germinate; and some for many different reasons have lower germination rates. Most seed packets will tell you a percentage of their germination rates if they have tested them; this lets you know the likelihood of success or not. Typically, you want to look for seeds with higher germination rates, so if possible, stick to seeds that have a germination rate of 85% or higher. 

Improper Seed Saving

If you saved seeds yourself or got some saved seeds from a friend, or even bought seeds from a company, the seeds may not have been harvested at the right time. Seeds should be fully dried before harvesting, otherwise they may not be viable. Some seeds saved just may not have developed properly. 

Seed Storage

If stored properly, seeds can actually last a long time. You want to keep your seeds away from the elements, so don’t store them outside, or expose them to moisture or high levels of heat. Many people store their seeds in their refrigerator or in a cool, dark area of their home. If you see seeds at a nursery being sold outdoors or in a window with the sun blasting on them, consider purchasing from a different store or source, because those seeds might have been exposed to too much heat to remain viable. 

Properly storing your seeds can keep your seeds viable for longer periods of time 

Pests 

If you’re sowing seeds directly outdoors, sometimes pests underneath the soil will eat seeds, or they will eat them as soon as they germinate. Or, there may be wildlife that digs in the ground, which could also be digging up your seeds. If you suspect this is happening, start seeds indoors where you can control the conditions and keep them away from pests. 

Conclusion

Even if you have to keep starting seeds over to get them to germinate, it’s worth it to keep trying. Try different tips to help germinate them and don’t give up. If you still feel like you are having germination issues with a particular seed or variety, it’s okay to look for a plant start at your local nursery, or reach out to your community to see if someone has a started plant to share with you!