Some seeds are just plain pokey when it comes to germinating. My general observation: the smaller the seed the longer the germination. Larger seeds like beans and squash may sprout in one week or less. Tiny pepper, eggplant and tomato seeds can take up to three weeks. Pre-sprouting seeds is one way of checking the progress of small seeds without digging around in the soil to see if they have germinated yet. (Yes, I do that.) Pre-sprouting also works well for tender crops like melons and cucumbers that are often direct-seeded late in the spring. Planting pre-sprouted seeds outdoors minimizes the chance of seeds rotting or being eaten before germination.
Here’s what you need:
Spray bottle, resealable plastic bag, seeds, paper towel/napkin, marker.
Here’s what you do:
Use spray bottle to thoroughly dampen paper towel with warm water.
Space seeds evenly making sure none overlap.
Fold damp paper towel over seeds.
Repeat with more rows, folding paper towel over each row.
When finished rolling seeds, place entire paper towel into resealable bag.
Seal the bag 2/3 of the way,label and store in a warm area. The top of the refrigerator is fine. Open and unroll daily, seeds need air to germinate. When they have sprouted, plant in pots.
Sprouted seeds.
That’s it! Several paper towels with seeds will fit into one bag, be sure to label them and check daily for progress. This technique works for flower seeds as well, if they require stratification place the bag in the freezer for a week or two then move to a warm area. Try it!
Love this idea. I have a few native flowers that take forever to sprout. I’ll have to give this a try.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
Thank you for the helpful visual demonstration. I have the courage to attempt the pepper seeds again! I think I will be presprouting many seeds this year.
I did this once. I put them on top of the fridge, when I went to check on them a few days later they had turned rotten.
You bring up a good point, Melanie. It is important to open the bag and unroll the paper towel EVERYDAY. Seeds require air in order to germinate and by opening the bag each day they will have an ample supply. I’ve had good success with this method in the past. It may be worth experimenting with a few seeds left from last year if you aren’t sure.
Fun post. Gives us something to do while the weather outside is so frightful.
I came here by way of Blotanical. Glad to see you there.
What a neat thing! I am so terrible about poking around in the soil as well! I’ve also been known to pull plants out of pots that I’m trying to clone (just to check the root growth!). I’m simply terrible about planting impatience.
Q: If you’re unrolling the paper towel each day, won’t it dry out?
Usually the seeds sprout within 4-6 days so drying out isn’t a problem. If the paper towel feels dry when you check the seeds, simply spritz with enough water to keep it damp not soaking.
trying this with tomato seeds now…boy they are tiny. I’m going to have to use a tweezer, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass to see if they are sprouted yet. Thanks!
It’s so much easier to see them germinate and planting is a breeze! Good luck!