Every day on social media, followers ask me questions about plants or gardening chores. For example, I regularly get asked why some seeds don't germinate. There are a few things crucial when you start sowing. Read carefully what it says on the seed packet, determine if 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 bag. This sounds super obvious and yet I find that many people forget to look at the bag. However, there is a lot of information on there that is crucial when you want your seeds to germinate:
- In which months you may (pre)seed,
- When to expect 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 the same way. Tip number one: follow the directions on the seed packet."
How seeds germinate: the difference between light and dark germinators
Even before you start filling the first pot with soil, you need to do something else: decide what kind of germinator you're going to work with. I'll repeat it again: not every seed germinates 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 bag that doesn't say so, look it up online). What is the difference between a light germinator, dark germinator and cold germinator?
LIGHT CHIPPER
These seeds need sunlight to germinate and are preferably sown shallowly. So do not cover them with soil, but do push them a little so they make contact with the earth.
Examples of light germinators:
Antirrhinum majus or snapdragon, Cosmos bipinnatus, Delphinium consolida or larkspur, Scabiosa atropurpurea or dovewort, Zinnia elegans.
DONKERKIEMER
It almost goes without saying: unlike light germinators, these seeds just don't want sunlight to germinate. So you have to cover them with a layer of soil. The annual Phlox goes a step further and even wants to be covered to germinate properly.
Examples of dark germplasm:
Calendula officinalis or marigold, Helianthus annuus or sunflower, Lathyrus odoratus or sweet pea, Tropaeolum majus or nasturtium.
KOUDEKIEMER
In addition to light, temperature also affects seed germination. Cold germinators want - surprise - cold to germinate. The lower temperature breaks the dormant phase the seed is in.
Examples of cold germination:
Delphinium consolida or larkspur, Cleome or cat's mustache, cardamom and poppy.
Learn more thanks to our videos
Did you know that we also have a well-stocked YouTube channel? With over 450 videos, we have a large database of information. Be sure to take a look at YouTube and subscribe, and you'll stay up to date with the latest videos.
In this video I tell you how to start seeding. I share 4 tips so you don't have to make any mistakes.
In what soil will seeds germinate?
Quality, peat-free soil is the basis of everything. Seedling soil is airier than regular potting soil, which is necessary for the frail little roots to find their way around. In addition, there are fewer fertilizers in seedling soil, which in turn provides a neutral growing environment for your seedlings.
