how to tell if seeds will germinate

Water test: Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then if the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, they most likely will not sprout.

1. How do you know if seeds are germinating?
2. Will seeds germinate under light?
3. How long should it take for my seeds to sprout?
4. Will 10 year old seeds germinate?
5. Should you soak seeds before planting?
6. Do seeds germinate better in the dark?
7. Should seeds be covered to germinate?
8. Do seeds need air to germinate?

How do you know if seeds are germinating?

It absorbes water and starts to grow. First, it produces a small root and then a stem with 2 tiny leaves, called the sprout. That's it. When you can see the sprout, you know the seed has germinated.

Will seeds germinate under light?

As much as it might surprise or shock you, it's vital to know that most seeds germinate best when they're placed in the dark. Light may actually stunt the process of germination.

How long should it take for my seeds to sprout?

Some seeds take two weeks or more to sprout. Poor germination can be caused by overly wet or cold soil, which causes seeds to rot. (The latter can be remedied with a Heat Mat.) If the soil was too dry, the seeds may not have been able to absorb enough moisture to sprout.

Will 10 year old seeds germinate?

The answer is, yes, seeds will eventually go bad and no longer germinate, but it can take quite a long time. There is a good chance that those old seed packets will have a high percentage of seeds that will germinate just fine. ... And even a group of very old seeds may have 10 or 20 percent that still sprouts.

Should you soak seeds before planting?

Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed's natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster. Another reason is that while Mother Nature actively assaults seeds, she also gave those seeds an internal gauge to help them know when they should grow.

Do seeds germinate better in the dark?

Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007). Don't confuse seed light requirements with what seedlings need. All seedlings require sunlight.

Should seeds be covered to germinate?

To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.

Do seeds need air to germinate?

All seeds need water, oxygen and the right temperature to germinate. Dormancy is a state of suspended animation in which seeds delay germination until conditions are right for survival and growth. Some Australian plants need fire or smoke to germinate, while others rely on insects and animals.