HOW TO GERMINATE SEEDS STEP BY STEP: COMPLETE GUIDE

Getting a seed to germinate isn't a matter of luck: it's about giving it the conditions it needs. In this guide we explain how to germinate seeds step by step, from choosing the substrate to caring for the first few weeks, and we go over the most common mistakes so you don't lose a single one.

What a seed needs to germinate

Every germination depends on three basic factors: moisture, temperature and oxygen. Some seeds also need light (or the opposite, darkness). If you control these elements, most species germinate without problems.

• Constant moisture: the substrate should be damp, never waterlogged.
• Right temperature: most seeds germinate between 18 and 24 ºC.
• Oxygen: that's why the substrate must be light and drain well.

What you'll need

• Quality seeds with a good germination rate.
• A seed tray, cell tray or small pots.
• A specific seed-starting substrate (fine and light).
• A water sprayer and, optionally, a cover or plastic to keep the humidity in.

How to germinate seeds step by step

1. Prepare the seed tray

Fill the cells with substrate without pressing it too hard and dampen it before sowing. This keeps the seed from moving when you water later.

2. Sow at the right depth

General rule: bury the seed at a depth of 1,5 to 2 times its size. Very fine seeds are barely covered; large ones go a little deeper.

3. Keep it moist

Mist with water so you don't uncover the seeds, and cover the tray with clear plastic to create a greenhouse effect. Remove it as soon as the first shoots appear.

4. Place the seedbed in a location with the right temperature for each species.

Indirect light and a stable temperature. Avoid intense direct sun during the first few days.

5. Transplant when they have true leaves

Once the seedlings have 2-4 "true" leaves (the ones that appear after the first pair), you can transplant them to a larger pot or into the ground.

Seeds that need pre-treatment

Not all seeds germinate the same way. Many tree and shrub species have natural dormancy and need pre-treatment:

• Cold stratification: simulate winter by keeping the seeds in the fridge with moist substrate for several weeks.
• Scarification: sand or soak seeds with a very hard coat so water can get in.
• Pre-soaking: soak the seeds in water for 24-48 h before sowing.

If you're sowing woody species, always check the instructions for each seed.

Most common germination mistakes

• Overwatering: the #1 cause of failure; it rots the seeds.
• Sowing too deep: the seed runs out of energy before reaching the surface.
• Wrong temperature: too cold slows down or stops germination.
• Impatience: every species has its own pace; some take weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a seed take to germinate?

It depends on the species: from 3-5 days (many vegetables and flowers) to several weeks or months (trees and shrubs with dormancy).

Why aren't my seeds germinating?

The most frequent causes are overwatering, too low a temperature, sowing too deep, or skipping the pre-treatment that species needs.

At The Original Garden you'll find selected seeds of flowers, aromatic and medicinal herbs, and trees and shrubs, with all the information you need for them to germinate the first time.