Successful Seed Germination Guide

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.

1. Buy high quality seeds. My favorite is Botanical Interests.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Keep soil moist. Forgetting to mist for a day or two could mean a lower germination rate or no germination at all.
7. 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

 *Chart courtesy of Heirloom Seeds.