Slow Tomato Germination? - Page 2

SueCT · January 26, 2017

I don't know about anyone else, but I germinate my seeds on a heat mat with a thermostat and with a loose covering of plastic wrap. I started out using 80 degrees as a set temp and then eventually decided to reduce that to 75 degrees. But unless there is a way to determine the optimum temp for each seed variety, not sure how I can get better germination. I already have an average of about 90% germination except for the odd variety or pack of seeds that I have trouble with. It is still a mystery to me why when all other others do well at the same temp. If anyone has information about the germination conditions preferred by a specific variety please share.

AlittleSalt · January 27, 2017

Sue, I use a heat mat for our pepper plants. It is a heating pad like the kind most of us grew up using. Mine is from the 70s or 80s and has 4 buttons - high, medium, low, and off. It works well for the pepper seeds.

I don't remember using it for tomato seeds, but I might have

I am curious if there are tomato varieties that need different temperatures to germinate too.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

January 26, 2017	#16
SueCT Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,460	I don't know about anyone else, but I germinate my seeds on a heat mat with a thermostat and with a loose covering of plastic wrap. I started out using 80 degrees as a set temp and then eventually decided to reduce that to 75 degrees. But unless there is a way to determine the optimum temp for each seed variety, not sure how I can get better germination. I already have an average of about 90% germination except for the odd variety or pack of seeds that I have trouble with. It is still a mystery to me why when all other others do well at the same temp. If anyone has information about the germination conditions preferred by a specific variety please share.

January 27, 2017	#17
AlittleSalt BANNED FOR LIFE Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13,333	Sue, I use a heat mat for our pepper plants. It is a heating pad like the kind most of us grew up using. Mine is from the 70s or 80s and has 4 buttons - high, medium, low, and off. It works well for the pepper seeds. I don't remember using it for tomato seeds, but I might have I am curious if there are tomato varieties that need different temperatures to germinate too.