Germination Information

The challenge of growing out-of-the ordinary seeds can be extremely rewarding!

Sometimes we get questions about germination, and we're happy to help! We think it's wonderful that gardeners are looking to do a great job caring for their seeds!

Some seeds can simply be planted right away and grow quickly, and others need some extra TLC. We put easy to follow growing information both on the product page, and also directly on the seed packages!

Here are some tips, many that aren't always commonly available:

Plant perennial and tropical seeds right away. Plant annual seeds in late winter or spring.

Most perennial seeds have evolved to require a cold period before they will germinate. Cold stratification can be safely replicated in a fridge at any time of year, and allows us to control things like moisture, temperature, and protect the seeds from being eaten or washed away, ultimately providing the best chance for your seeds to grow. Perennial seeds can be started indoors right away when you receive them, and planted outdoors in spring or summer when the weather is warm.

Annual seeds can be started early indoors in late winter or spring, and planted outdoors once the weather is warm enough. If you receive your seeds in summer or fall, they can be stored in the fridge until needed.

We recommend using a sterile seed-start mix or other sterile soil mix, as it is free of fungus and contaminants that can harm fragile seedlings. These mixes are generally formulated with the correct PH (acidity of the soil). Seed-start mix is also free of weed seeds (unlike garden soil), so when something grows you will know that it is the seeds that you planted.

Have a growing container that has holes in the bottom for drainage. This helps prevent seeds and seedlings from sitting in too much moisture and rotting. Sometimes this is seen when young seedlings suddenly fall over and parish.

Never let the soil completely dry out while the seeds are germinating. This can end the germination process.

Seeds can germinate at different times, even from the same batch. Generally there is a suggested range of time that seeds can germinate within, which we put on the seed packs. Some seeds might grow early, and other late. This is completely natural, especially for cold-hardy species, and for seeds that have a longer germination times.

If your seeds need any additional special care it will be listed in the germination information. Some seeds may need:

A cold treatment after planting (especially important for most cold-hardy species).
Warm temperatures or heating mat
Light or darkness required for germination
Soaking seeds before germination
Manual scarification of the seeds
An extended period of time before germination
A special soil mix (other than standard seed-start mix)

For your specific seeds, we put individualized growing information on each product online. This information is also provided on the seeds pack. We hope you enjoy your new seeds!