Most Common Seed-Starting Mistakes | Bioadvanced (2024)

FAQs

Most Common Seed-Starting Mistakes | Bioadvanced? ›

That is the first mistake most seed starters make: ordering too many seeds. A simple secret to success with seed-starting is exercising self-restraint. If you are new to the practice, do not start too many different types of seeds. Stick with simple ones, such as Tomato, Basil, Zinnia or Cosmos.

Some seeds like Allium 'Purple Sensation' and Eryngium giganteum need a long period of cold-moist stratification with alternating temperatures. These are the most difficult seeds to germinate.

All seeds need water, oxygen, and proper temperature in order to germinate.

Generally, mutant or hybrid seeds fail to show proper signs of germination. They also lack longevity, are more sensitive to environmental conditions, and need extra care and attention.

Seeds for Root Crops Should Not Be Started Indoors

For that reason, it's best to start root crops like carrots, beets, radishes, and even potatoes in the soil where they'll grow.

Slow Germinators: Some seeds naturally take longer to break dormancy and start growing, often 2-4 weeks or more. Examples include parsley and some perennial flowers like geums.

Cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, spinach, turnips, basil, melons, beans, peas, and other seeds that germinate quickly are some of the greatest examples.

All seeds need water, oxygen and optimal temperature to germinate. When a seed is exposed to the proper conditions, water and oxygen are taken in through the seed coat. The embryo's cells start to enlarge.

Moisture Matters – After planting, water seeds with a gentle mist or shower. Avoid using a strong splash or spray, which can dislodge seeds. It is vital to keep soil consistently moist.

What is the most critical factor for seed germination? ›

Water is considered the primary germination regulator, as germination begins with seed imbibition. Sufficient moisture must be present for germination to take place.

If your germination rate is less than 70 percent, you can always still plant those seeds in your garden—just sow them more heavily than you normally would to increase the likelihood of those seeds becoming seedlings.

Mostly, extreme temperature and lack of consistent moisture are likely causes of seeds not sprouting or seedlings withering.

Inconsistent soil temperatures can cause spotty germination, slow growth or if too hot frying of the seed/seedling. If soil temperature is too cool, put seedlings in a warmer area or on a heating mat with a dome lid. If soil is too hot, put in a cooler spot and remove from heat mat.

The seed that is formed contains three generations of tissues: the seed coat that originates from the sporophyte tissue, the gametophyte that will provide nutrients, and the embryo itself.

The three stages of seed germination are 1) imbibition, 2) respiration, and 3) cell division. The first stage corresponds to the absorption of water, the second to the resumption of metabolic activity, and the third is important in the formation of the seedling and the young plant.

Seeds planted too deep may not germinate or emerge and those planted too shallow may wash away, fail to germinate or be eaten by wildlife. The rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth that is 2-3 times their diameter. It is easy to plant seeds too deeply, especially when covering the seed with soil.

Some seeds have an ideal temperature to germinate in; it may be too warm or too cold where you are testing your seeds. Seeds also need water to germinate, but too much water can be a problem if it stops seeds from getting oxygen. Some seeds may never germinate under the conditions you are testing.