Why Have My Seeds Failed To Germinate?

For any gardener, whether experienced or just starting, the sight of the first leaves appearing after having sown the seed is a magical moment. However, we have all had our share of failures and face the same challenge each year. Some seeds are really hard to germinate whatever you do, so take heart and don’t immediately think that the lack of germination is because of something you have or haven’t done. The most common fault seems to lie with the sowing conditions so it is important to read the seed packet as not all seeds have the same requirements.

Take a look below at the most frequent causes of seed germination failure. By doing so you may avoid disappointment.

Are your seeds old?

The ability for seeds to germinate (seed viability) reduces with time. Some will likely fail after only a year in storage, for example onions, parsnip and parsley. Others may keep for a number of years albeit with reduced viability. The seed packet should tell you the Best Before date but if you are not sure how old the seeds are, there is a simple way of checking. Lay a piece of moistened kitchen roll on a saucer and spread out the seeds. Cover with cling film and place in a warm place such as the top of your fridge. Wait for up to a couple of weeks, checking periodically to see if any are showing signs of germination.

Have the seeds been planted at the correct depth?

If sowing seeds that need light to germinate they will only need a sprinkling of compost over them, but some seeds require darkness. Check the seed packet and adhere to the instructions for the sowing depth. As a general rule, seeds can be planted at a depth of 3 times their width.

Are the seeds too hot or too cold?

The majority of flower and vegetable seeds will successfully germinate indoors at a temperature of between 13C-21C but extremes of heat or cold will retard the seed development.  Check the recommended temperatures on the seed packet. If you are sowing seeds outdoors, keep an eye on the weather because sowing seeds in cold wet soil could cause them to rot. The instructions on the seed packet may give the months to sow but if you garden in the north you may have to wait as much as a month longer.

Have you watered too much or too little?

Indoor sowing – always soak then drain your seed trays before scattering the seeds. Cover with a plastic sheet, cling film or clear glass and check the moisture daily. If you see signs of drying out, place the seed tray in some water and wait until the compost has sucked up all it needs, then drain again.

Outdoor sowing – never sow seeds when the ground is cold or wet, they will simply rot. Cloches, horticultural fleece laid on the soil in early spring will help to dry it out and warm it up. Check the drainage in your garden and dig in extra fibrous material if you find that water does not drain away.

Are you using the correct sowing medium?

If sowing seeds indoors it is much better to use commercially available compost specifically made for seed sowing. This type of compost provides a low level of nutrients as the seed has all it needs to germinate within itself.  In the garden, don’t sow seeds on freshly manured ground and check the label on any fertilizers you may want to use.

Do the seeds require special treatment?

Some seeds will not germinate unless their requirements are met, the main methods being stratification, chipping, pre-chilling or soaking.

Stratification is a method that imitates cold winter conditions that some seeds need to break their dormancy. Seeds such as primroses germinate much better after having the cold treatment.

Chipping means simply that – taking away a small piece of the seed coat to enable water penetration

Pre-chilling helps to speed up germination and this is easily achieved by the use of a fridge.

Soaking will often help thick skinned seeds to soften and also to dilute any germination inhibitor that it may have.

Outdoors, if you have been really careful about the sowing conditions and the seeds have still failed to germinate, check out whether the seeds have been eaten. Mice are particularly fond of beans and peas, as are birds. Just a little bit of protection may make the difference.

Here at Birstall Garden and Leisure Centre we stock only the very best quality seed from Suttons and Unwins guaranteed to be fresh giving you the best possible start. Take a look at our online store for a great selection of flower and vegetable seeds.

Published February 2nd, 2015 by Jordan. Article ref 3638

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