Every day, followers ask me questions on social media about plants or gardening tasks. For example, I often get the question why some seeds do not germinate. There are a few things that are crucial when you start sowing. Read carefully what is written on the seed packet, determine whether the seeds are light germinators or dark germinators and use the right soil.
How do you read the seed packet?
The first and most important tip when sowing: read the instructions on the seed packet . That sounds super obvious and yet I notice that many people forget to look at the packet. Yet there is a lot of information on it that is crucial if you want your seeds to germinate:
- in which months you can (pre)sow,
- when you can expect your harvest,
- how deep to sow a seed
- and whether the seeds in question are light germinators or dark germinators .
“Not all seeds can be sown in the same way. Tip number 1: follow the instructions on the seed packet.”
How Seeds Germinate: The Difference Between Light and Dark Germinators
Before you even start filling the first pot with soil, you need to do something else: decide what kind of germinator you are going to use. I repeat: not every seed germinates in the same way.
Some seeds need light, others cold and still others prefer darkness. On our seed packets we always mention which type of germinator you are dealing with. (If you have another packet that does not mention this, it is best to look it up online.) What is the difference between a light germinator , a dark germinator and a cold germinator ?
LIGHT GERMINATOR
These seeds need sunlight to germinate and are best sown superficially. So don't cover them with soil, but do press them down a bit so that they make contact with the soil.
Examples of light germinators:
Antirrhinum majus or snapdragon, Cosmos bipinnatus, Delphinium consolida or larkspur, Scabiosa atropurpurea or pigeon weed, Zinnia elegans.
DARK GERMINATION
It almost goes without saying: unlike light germinators, these seeds do not want sunlight to germinate. So you have to cover them with a layer of soil. The annual Phlox goes one step further and even wants to be covered to germinate well.
Examples of dark germinators:
Calendula officinalis or marigold, Helianthus annuus or sunflower, Lathyrus odoratus or sweet pea, Tropaeolum majus or nasturtium.
COLD GERMINATOR
In addition to light, temperature also has an effect on seed germination. Cold germinators want — surprise — cold to germinate. The lower temperature breaks the dormant phase in which the seed is.
Examples of cold germinators:
Delphinium consolida or larkspur, Cleome or cat's whiskers, teasel and poppy.
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In this video I will tell you how to start sowing . I share 4 tips, so you don't have to make mistakes.
In what soil will seeds germinate?
High-quality, peat-free soil is the basis of everything. Sowing or cutting soil is airier than regular potting soil, which is necessary for the fragile roots to find their way. In addition, there are fewer fertilizers in sowing soil, which in turn provides a neutral growing environment for your seedlings.
