Over the years I have learned a great deal (mostly through trial and error) about how to successfully germinate seeds. Notably, my method over the years has come to vary based on the type of seed / plant I am working with. Below are some general guidelines that I have found helpful.- Buy high quality seeds. My favorite is Botanical Interests.
- Large Seeds - Consider pre-germinating larger seeds on a wet paper towel for a few days prior to planting in soil. I do this for things such as peas, cucumbers, squash.
- Tiny seeds can be sown indoors on top of the soil. I suggest misting the seeds heavily instead of watering. This method is useful for flower seeds such as peonies or any other seed that is tiny.
- Research whether the plant requires light for germination. Most of the tiny seeds do need this and thus is is helpful to include them on top of the soil.
- Use a light airy soil medium. You can consider using a soil-less seed-starting medium; however, I have had just as much luck with regular garden soil.
- Keep soil moist. Forgetting to mist for a day or two could mean a lower germination rate or no germination at all.
- Review required temperatures table below and days to germination. Keep in mind that if required temperature is not met consistently then the seeds will take more time to germinate.
| VARIETY | SOIL TEMP | # DAYS TO GERMINATE |
| Bean, lima | 85 degrees F | 7 to 10 days |
| Bean, snap | 75 to 80 degrees F | 7 days |
| Beet | 75 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Broccoli | 65 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Brussels sprout | 68 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Cabbage | 68 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Cantaloupe | 80 to 85 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Carrot | 75 degrees F | 12 to 15 days |
| Cauliflower | 65 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Celery | 70 to 75 degrees F | 10 to 14 days |
| Collard | 70 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Corn | 75 to 85 degrees F | 7-10 days |
| Cucumber | 70 to 85 degrees F | 7 to 10 days |
| Eggplant | 75 to 85 degrees F | 10 to 12 days |
| Endive | 70 to 75 degrees F | 10 to 14 days |
| Kale | 70 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Kohlrabi | 70 to 75 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Lettuce | 65 to 70 degrees F | 7 to 10 days |
| Melon | 80 to 85 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Mustard Greens | 70 degrees F | 5 to 10 days |
| Okra | 80 to 85 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Onion, bulbing | 70 to 75 degrees F | 10 to 14 days |
| Onion, bunching | 60 to 70 degrees F | 10 to 14 days |
| Parsnip | 70 degrees F | 14 to 21 days |
| Pea | 65 to 70 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Pepper | 78 to 85 degrees F | 10 to 14 days |
| Pumpkin | 70 to 75 degrees F | 7 to 10 days |
| Radish | 65 to 70 degrees F | 5 to 7 days |
| Rutabaga | 65 to 70 degrees F | 7 to 15 days |
| Spinach | 70 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Spinach, New Zealand | 75 degrees F | 10 to 15 days |
| Squash, Summer | 75 to 85 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Squash, Winter | 75 to 80 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Swiss Chard | 70 to 75 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Tomato | 75 to 80 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Turnip | 65 to 70 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
| Watermelon | 75 to 85 degrees F | 7 to 14 days |
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