Question 1

How long does it take for seeds to germinate at home?

Accepted Answer

Most vegetable seeds germinate within 5–14 days when given the right warmth and moisture. Fast sprouters like coriander, methi, and radish can show signs in 3–5 days, while chillies and brinjal may take 10–14 days.

Question 2

What is the paper towel method for seed germination?

Accepted Answer

Place seeds on a damp paper towel or cotton cloth, fold it, and seal it inside a zip-lock bag. Keep it in a warm spot and check daily. Once you see tiny white roots, transfer the sprouted seeds gently into soil or cocopeat.

Question 3

Why are my seeds not germinating even after a week?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons include old or expired seeds, soil that is too wet or too dry, incorrect temperature, or planting too deep. Try the paper towel test with 10 seeds first to check viability before sowing a full batch.

Question 4

Do I need to soak seeds before planting in India?

Accepted Answer

Soaking helps large or hard-coated seeds like bottle gourd, okra, moringa, and ridge gourd. A 12–24 hour soak in room-temperature water softens the coat and speeds up germination. Small seeds like basil or coriander generally do not need soaking.

Question 5

What is scarification and which Indian seeds need it?

Accepted Answer

Scarification means gently nicking or scratching the hard outer coat of a seed so water can enter. Seeds like bitter gourd and snake gourd benefit from light scarification with sandpaper or a nail clipper before soaking.

Question 6

Can I germinate seeds in cocopeat instead of soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cocopeat is one of the best germination media for Indian home gardens. It retains moisture evenly, stays light and fluffy, and is less prone to fungal issues than regular garden soil. Mix in a little vermicompost once seedlings develop their first true leaves.

Seed Germination Techniques: Proven Methods to Sprout Seeds at Home in India

Seed Germination Techniques: Proven Methods to Sprout Seeds at Home in India