How to Sprout Seeds Before Planting
Pre-sprouting, also called chitting, seeds is done with older seeds, seeds that have a poor germination rate and to speed up the germination process. Pre-sprouting takes two to four days, whereas seeds planted in soil need seven to 20 days to sprout. Sprouting a handful of old (1-year-old and older) seeds before planting will show you their germination rate, letting you know if it is worth trying to plant the seeds at all. Once seeds sprout you can plant them directly into your garden or into seed flats. You can sprout seeds of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees before planting. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Seeds, any variety
- Paper towels
- Plastic storage bag
- Plastic plant mister
Instructions
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1
Sprinkle seeds on one side of a paper towel. The seeds should be in a single layer. It's OK if the seeds touch.
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Fold the paper towel over the seeds.
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Place the folded paper towel in a plastic food storage bag. Do not close the bag.
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Mist the paper towel with water until it is damp but not soaked. Keep the paper towel damp until the seeds have sprouted.
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Place the plastic bag in a warm spot (approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit) with bright, indirect light.
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Check the seeds daily. Plant the seeds as soon as most (70 to 80 percent) have sprouted.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use quality paper towels that will not tear when wet.
Seeds will not sprout if the paper towels dry out.
The emerged sprout is delicate, and the sprouted seeds should be handled carefully.
