Germination hub
General advice
- Specific germination guidance is provided on the back of all seed packets. These instructions work well for us.
- We recommend using sterile seed compost for seed sowing unless otherwise stated on the back of the seed packets. For very small seeds, sieve the seed compost to remove any bulkier items
- Wash pots and trays before using so that these are as clean as possible
- Once the pots/ seed trays have been filled with seed compost, lightly tamp down the compost so that there is an even flat surface – do not compact the compost too much!
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the compost and then cover with either vermiculite or grit until the seeds are no longer visible. Some very small seeds are best sown on the surface, and not covered.
- Label all pots and trays with both the species/variety name and the date sown!
- Water the pots/trays ideally from the bottom by standing them in shallow trays of water, until the surface is damp.
- Provide the conditions needed based on the instructions on the seed packet. Many seeds require high levels of light to germinate. Compost should remain moist but not overly wet whilst the seeds are germinating.
- Germination of many tropical seeds can be erratic – they come up when the conditions are right and they are ready. Some can take a number of months (e.g. many bananas and palms) so patience is often a key requirement!
- When the seeds germinate, give them plenty of light and air to prevent damping off.