To avoid unpleasant surprises during planting, it's essential to know reliable methods for assessing seed quality.
Reasons Seeds May Not Germinate
Even when purchasing seeds from a trusted seller, there is no guarantee of 100% germination. Seeds can lose viability due to improper storage, high humidity, or expiration. Therefore, it's wise to check them before planting.
How to Identify Quality Seeds
Before testing, pay attention to the appearance of the seeds. Good planting material:
- Has a uniform natural color;
- Is free from spots or mold;
- Features a firm, resilient texture without visible damage;
- Does not have a musty odor. If the seeds appear shriveled, soft, or emit an unpleasant smell, it’s best to discard them immediately.
Two Reliable Methods for Testing Germination
There are several ways to determine the quality of your seeds. Gardeners most commonly use two methods: the water test and germination.
1. Water Test – Not Always Reliable
The most common method is soaking the seeds in water. It is generally believed that those that float are unsuitable for planting. However, this method is not always accurate, as light seeds are not necessarily dead, and heavy seeds do not always germinate. Therefore, it's better to use a more reliable option.
2. Germination – The Best Way to Know the Truth
This method doesn't require testing the entire batch of seeds – just take 10 for the test.
- Take a paper towel and slightly moisten it.
- Spread the seeds on the surface and cover them with another damp towel.
- Place everything in a plastic bag and put it in a warm spot.
- Check daily and moisten as necessary.
- After a few days, count the germinated seeds.
If at least 7 out of 10 seeds have sprouted, the rest of the batch is also suitable for planting. If the germination rate is lower, consider purchasing new seeds or planting with a surplus.
Checking seeds before planting is the key to a good harvest. Use germination as the most accurate method, while visual inspection can quickly eliminate poor-quality material.