7 Most Common Germination Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Not only beginner growers, but also experienced growers have problems with seed germination. Often this is because, through lack of knowledge, they make some of the basic mistakes in seed germination. Are you among them too? Read on to find out how to avoid them and germinate like a professional.
In the following lines, we will also focus on minor mistakes that can nevertheless drastically affect germination success. If you would like to master the basics, read the article Indoor germination from A to Z.
1. Old or poor-quality seeds
Seeds that are too old or improperly stored have a much lower chance of successful germination. Although some seeds can remain viable for many years, storage conditions play a crucial role. If they are exposed to moisture, heat or light, their germination rate decreases quickly. In addition, cheap or poorly bred seeds may have genetic defects or be contaminated with pathogens.
How can this be prevented? Choose seeds only from verified suppliers and store them in a dry, cool and dark place. An airtight container stored in the fridge with a moisture absorber is ideal.
2. Unsuitable temperature and excessive moisture
Seeds need the right temperature to germinate. If the temperature is too low, germination slows down or stops completely. Conversely, high temperatures can damage the seeds and prevent them from growing. Excess moisture can also ruin germination. Seeds do need enough water to germinate, but not so much that they start to rot.
How can this be prevented? The ideal temperature for germinating most plants is between 22-26 °C. If you are growing in a cooler environment, a heating mat or heated propagator will help. Correct humidity is also important – an environment that is too dry will cause the seeds to dry out, while a waterlogged growing medium can lead to rotting. Therefore, regularly vent excess moisture from the propagator.
3. Unsuitable growing medium
Many growers make the mistake of germinating seeds in a standard horticultural growing medium, which is often too heavy or contains an excessive amount of nutrients. An unsuitable growing medium prevents root growth and can retain too much water, which leads to seed rot or wilting seedlings.
How can this be prevented? Use light and airy growing media or propagation cubes that are designed specifically for germination. Rockwool cubes or their organic alternatives (Eazy Plug) are a good choice. Avoid growing media containing large amounts of fertiliser – young plants are sensitive to excess nutrients and may die.
4. Lack of oxygen around the seeds
Many growers do not realise that seeds need sufficient oxygen as well as moisture. If they are submerged in water for too long or are in a very wet and dense growing medium, they may start to rot even before germination.
How can this be prevented? If you germinate seeds in water, never leave them soaked for longer than 12-24 hours. Then move them into a moist growing medium that allows sufficient aeration. When choosing a growing medium, make sure it is not too dense and maintains an optimal balance between airiness and moisture. You can also treat the seeds before germination with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, which will remove any pathogens. You can also use germination stimulants or products with mycorrhizal fungi, but do not combine them with peroxide.
5. Incorrect planting depth for seeds
Planting seeds at the wrong depth can significantly affect germination. If seeds are planted too deeply, they may struggle to break through to the surface. Conversely, if they are planted too shallowly, they may dry out quickly or be washed away by watering.
How can this be prevented? Follow the rule that seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately twice their size. Small seeds, such as lettuce, only need to be lightly covered with a thin layer of growing medium or vermiculite. Larger seeds can be planted a little deeper, but always so that they have enough energy to grow through to the surface.
6. Insufficient or too strong light
Light plays a crucial role in germination, but not all seeds require it. Some germinate in light, others need darkness. If young seedlings receive too much light, they can become weakened and more prone to growth deformities.
How can this be prevented? Find out whether your seeds need light or darkness to germinate. For example, lettuce germinates better in light, while tomatoes and peppers germinate in darkness. Once the seeds have germinated, provide them with gentle and even lighting. TLED lights with a growth spectrum are excellent for germination purposes. Set the light so that the germinating seeds receive at least 18 hours of daylight.
7. Over-fertilisation
Young plants are very sensitive to excess nutrients, and if they are fertilised too early or at a high concentration, root damage occurs, which is manifested by burnt leaf tips and drying out.
How can this be prevented? Delay the first fertilisation of the plants until the second week after the seeds have germinated. If you use mineral fertilisers, start with a very weak concentration (approximately 1/4 of the recommended dose). Monitor the plants’ response and gradually increase the doses.
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