Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007). Don't confuse seed light requirements with what seedlings need. All seedlings require sunlight.
Moisture is critical for germinating seeds. They like a moist but not soggy environment. Seeds require oxygen and if kept in a waterlogged state may rot. On the other hand, if the soil dries out, the seed will lose whatever water it has absorbed and will die.
Pre-Soaking.
This method could be the fastest way to germinate seeds. Place seeds in a shallow container in warm water and leave them for 16 to 24 hours (smaller for 16, bigger for 24). Remember not to expose seeds to temperatures higher than 80°F (26.6°C) and not to pre-soak seeds for more than 24 hours.
Plant extra seeds, because it's likely not all of them will germinate; you'll thin out the extra ones later. After sowing, set the containers in a warm location. On top of the refrigerator or near a radiator are usually good spots. Check your pots every day for signs of growth!
In many regions (including New England and Midwest), there are not enough growing days for those plants to get to harvest if they're started outside. Starting seeds indoors allows you to gain a few precious weeks of growing time, which can really make a difference.
Starting seeds indoors gives your vegetables, herbs, and flowers a head start so they can grow larger and have better (and longer) harvests or flowering periods. With a few basic supplies and a little patience, it's easy and fun to start seeds indoors.
By adding a little hydrogen peroxide to your water when you soak seeds, you're doing two things – breaking down the seed coat (chemical scarification) and oxygenating the water. Remember, oxygen was the second thing we needed for germination. Adding more oxygen to the water speeds up the germination process.
All seeds need water, oxygen, and proper temperature in order to germinate. Some seeds require proper light also. Some germinate better in full light while others require darkness to germinate. When a seed is exposed to the proper conditions, water and oxygen are taken in through the seed coat.
While some crops can be direct seeded, you can start them indoors and move up the harvest date. Another perk of starting seeds indoors is the ability to grow long season crops in short season climates. If you have to wait for outdoor soil to reach the optimal temperature, you'll miss out on growing days.
Germination is the process a seed goes through when it “wakes up” from its dormant state and starts to grow. Seeds are self-contained systems that contain most of what they need to get themselves started, but there are three important triggers that kick off germination: air, water, and warmth.
A relative humidity of about 95% is recommended to maintain growing media moisture levels. Seed germination and growth to transplant size are usually the most critical stage of plant development. Providing an optimum environment with a germination cart or growth room will give uniform high quality plants in less time.
If your seeds are larger (like beans or peas) or they require darkness to germinate (check the instructions on the seed packets), cover them with a layer of vermiculite or seed starting mix equal to their height, usually 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
Light is not necessary for a seed to germinate, no. The majority of seeds grow most effectively in the dark. Light, which is essential for seedling growth, may actually hinder the germination process. The three primary and necessary conditions for a seed to germinate are water, oxygen, and temperature.
Seeds in the germination phase are especially sensitive to temperature. The temperature at which a seed germinates varies from plant to plant, but, in general, vegetable seeds germinate between 65 and 90° F (18 to 32° C), and most thrive between 75-85°F (24 to 30° C).
As it turns out, you can! Hydrogen Peroxide 3% - Oxygen PlusTM, a food-grade solution made in pure distilled water, can effectively increase germination speed and support the growth of strong, healthy plants.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is quite popular in horticulture. It has an extra oxygen atom than water (H2O). When its molecule breaks down, this extra oxygen separates from the water, acting as a supplement to plants. It also helps in germinating seeds successfully by making them absorb more oxygen.
Some seeds like Allium 'Purple Sensation' and Eryngium giganteum need a long period of cold-moist stratification with alternating temperatures. These are the most difficult seeds to germinate.
Seeds need to be moderately moist to sprout. Seed germination is highly dependent on watering. Too dry and they won't get the message to sprout, too wet and they will rot in the dirt.
A seed might fail to germinate due to multiple reasons. Water is a key factor in promoting seed germination. Very less or too much water content can affect germination. Lack of oxygen also inhibits seed germination and oxygen availability is directly linked to water availability.
By soaking the seed, it enables the new growth from the inside to push through the hard shell and grow. The seeds that could benefit from a good soaking include: corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas. The seeds you shouldn't soak include: carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach.
The only seeds that will germinate faster with light are the ones mentioned above in this article (or other seeds that require sunlight to germinate). Most seeds do not need grow lights until after they germinate. Most seeds germinate faster if they are warm.
Most seedlings need good light in order to grow strongly, so it's best to sow seeds in trays or pots in a bright spot, rather than direct in their final position. If you give seedlings a strong chance to develop a strong root system before planting out, you'll have a higher chance of success.