Hi Ingrid! Loved this article and just wanted to say that I was sprouting for about a year and then suddenly with no changes, it seemed that not all of my seeds would sprout so about half of them just sat at the bottom of the mason jar no matter how long I kept them. I tried different batches and then gave up. I know that is a very vague question, but what kinds of things could cause this? Too many seeds? Not enough sunlight? Maybe something changed in the water (it was well water).
This is actually a big question because we have to think of the natural habitat for the seeds. For instance, seeds of tropical plants may require more sunlight and heat than seeds from plants that can survive in winter. Just think of holy basil or jalapeno peppers and compare these to kale or lettuce. So, warmth is one factor. Light is another consideration. Humidity is another. Then, there are seed differences. For example, for maximum germination of coriander seeds, the pods need to be broken a bit, less effort for the seeds to sprout if the pod is crushed. Some seeds need to be scarified and some need to soak longer before draining the water. It pays to read the print on the packaging and surf a bit for tips on each kind of sprout seed. I have tested a few methods, such as placing the seeds between moist paper towels. I got 100% germination of sunflower seeds when doing this before placing the seeds on a tray.
It goes without saying that some seed providers probably test better for germination than others, and some seeds are easier to sprout, but it is no doubt a good rule to simulate the natural growing conditions of the native habitat . . . as best you can in an indoor environment.
Hi Ingrid! Loved this article and just wanted to say that I was sprouting for about a year and then suddenly with no changes, it seemed that not all of my seeds would sprout so about half of them just sat at the bottom of the mason jar no matter how long I kept them. I tried different batches and then gave up. I know that is a very vague question, but what kinds of things could cause this? Too many seeds? Not enough sunlight? Maybe something changed in the water (it was well water).
Thank you!
Rita
Rita,
This is actually a big question because we have to think of the natural habitat for the seeds. For instance, seeds of tropical plants may require more sunlight and heat than seeds from plants that can survive in winter. Just think of holy basil or jalapeno peppers and compare these to kale or lettuce. So, warmth is one factor. Light is another consideration. Humidity is another. Then, there are seed differences. For example, for maximum germination of coriander seeds, the pods need to be broken a bit, less effort for the seeds to sprout if the pod is crushed. Some seeds need to be scarified and some need to soak longer before draining the water. It pays to read the print on the packaging and surf a bit for tips on each kind of sprout seed. I have tested a few methods, such as placing the seeds between moist paper towels. I got 100% germination of sunflower seeds when doing this before placing the seeds on a tray.
It goes without saying that some seed providers probably test better for germination than others, and some seeds are easier to sprout, but it is no doubt a good rule to simulate the natural growing conditions of the native habitat . . . as best you can in an indoor environment.
Try again and let us know how it goes!