Germination Issues – Seeds Aren’t Sprouting
Growing plants from seed is a great way to save money and a great way to grow varieties not available in local nurseries. But it can be such a disappointment when those seeds don’t sprout. There are a number of reasons your seeds aren’t germinating and most of them can be prevented, or corrected.
Your Seeds Are Too Old
Knowing if your seeds are still good is an important question. You don’t want to waste precious time preparing your garden only to find that your seeds are too old, or too degraded to sprout.
Some seeds, like onion or parsnip, generally last only a year, but many others can last 5 or more years. And stored in perfect conditions seeds have been known to last thousands of years.
For the general gardener, though, 5 or so years is generally the limit. For more details, read my post Seed Storage and Viability: How Long Do Seeds Last?
In her book, The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook, Susan Mulvihill says:
Does this mean that you shouldn’t use older seeds? No. Many seeds remain viable for longer than you might think, and besides, we gardeners hate to waste anything, right? When in doubt, conduct a simple germination test.
The simple process for that germination test is laid out in my post Testing Old Seed for Viability.
Your Seeds Were Not Properly Stored
Seed storage is one of the factors that will determine the seed viability. Ideally, seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Seeds which have been exposed to moisture or light won’t remain viable for long.
Again, testing for viability is a great way to know if your seeds will still sprout.
Improper Watering
Both under watering and over watering can prevent seeds from germinating.
Keep the soil damp, but not water-logged. It is important to check your seeds daily to see if they have dried out. Using a spray bottle is a great, gentle way to water seeds.
Covering your seed tray with plastic wrap or a clear plastic cover will help to prevent drying out, but it is still important to keep an eye on the soil. Remove the cover if too much condensation forms, and once the seeds have sprouted.
The Temperature is Not Correct
 | Seedling Heat Mat for Starting Seeds |
Your seed packet will generally give you tips on what that particular seed needs to germinate. Some seeds, like tomato or pepper, require warmth to germinate. A seedling heat mat for starting seeds is an inexpensive investment and will help to insure that these heat-loving seeds germinate quickly.
On the other hand, some seeds, like cabbage and other brassicas, prefer cooler temperatures to germinate. If you’ve ever tried to direct sow cool-loving plants in the heat of summer you may have found that they failed to germinate.
Some Seeds Prefer Light While Some Prefer Dark to Germinate
This is another time that your seed packet may be helpful. Some seeds, like lettuce and arugula, require light to germinate. Others, like carrot, prefer dark, while most will sprout in either condition.
 | The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook by Susan Mulvihil |
Damping Off Disease
Damping off disease is a fungal disease which affects both seeds and seedlings. The fungi can kill seeds before they germinate, or before the germinated seed breaks through the soil.
This disease is caused by cool, damp soil, or by contaminated pots or potting mix.
To prevent damping off disease, be sure to use clean equipment and a sterile potting mix. Do not use garden soil. Be sure not to overwater, and provide good air circulation in the area where you are starting seeds.
It is true that this disease is seen more often in seedlings than in seeds, but is worth taking preventative measures.
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To learn how to build a garden that builds healthy soil, be sure to check out my eBook The Art of Gardening: Building Your Soil.
You really can become a better gardener, and you really can grow healthy, nourishing produce. It’s all about the soil! Click here to learn more.
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GardeniaOrganic says
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience. In fact, there can be many reasons for this, both lighting and watering, and if you want to figure it out, it’s worth considering each subspecies individually. At one time I had difficulties with seeds for hydroponics, but I found tips on the GardeniaOrganic website that helped me correct the situation