Stumbled upon an old packet of seeds and wondering if they’ll still sprout? Don’t worry! There’s an easy way to find out. Follow this step-by-step guide from Seeds Wild to check if your seeds are still viable.
The Basics: Moisture and Warmth
Seeds need a warm and humid environment to germinate. We’ll recreate these conditions using household items: paper towels and a plastic bag. This method is straightforward and budget-friendly.
Step-by-Step: Test Your Seeds for Germination
- Prepare the Paper Towel:Â Take a paper towel and moisten it lightly with water. It should be damp but not soaking wet.
- Arrange the Seeds:Place your seeds on the damp paper towel, spacing them about an inch apart to prevent roots from tangling.
- Fold the Towel:Fold the paper towel over the seeds, creating a moist environment to encourage germination.
- Bag It Up:Put the folded paper towel with the seeds into a transparent plastic bag and seal it. This will keep the humidity levels high.
- Warm it Up: Place the plastic bag in a warm location, avoiding direct sunlight. An ideal temperature range is 20-25°C (68-77°F).
- Monitor Progress: Check on the seeds daily. You should see some sprouting within a few days. Keep the paper towel moist if it starts to dry out.
Understanding Your Results
After about a week, you’ll be able to determine the viability of your seeds:
- Over 70% Germination Rate:Your seeds are in great condition and ready to be planted.
- 50% to 70% Germination Rate:Â The seeds are still viable, but you may need to plant extra to get the desired number of plants.
- Â Below 50% Germination Rate:The seeds might be too old or improperly stored, resulting in poor germination.
With this easy and cost-effective method from Seeds Wild, you’ll know exactly which seeds are worth planting. Save time and effort by ensuring you only sow viable seeds, and enjoy a flourishing garden.
Now, you’re equipped to test those forgotten seeds and bring your garden to life with confidence!
