How do I check if seeds will germinate?

FreyaFL · February 15, 2013

I've just started saving seeds. I've done the "paper towel" method with a small number of seeds. I've done the fermentation method (via Baker Creek's catalog instructions) with more seeds. How can I tell if these seeds will germinate? Can I test a few and, if so, what would be the easiest, fastest method?

Also, with my first batch of fermented seeds, I've had them drying on a paper plate for nearly a week. They seem soft to me. Also, though I tried to separate them when wet, many/most are clumped. Will it hurt them to gently separate them? Is the softness of the seeds indicative of a problem?

Thanks for any advice!

February 15, 2013	#1
FreyaFL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: SW FL Posts: 152	How do I check if seeds will germinate? I've just started saving seeds. I've done the "paper towel" method with a small number of seeds. I've done the fermentation method (via Baker Creek's catalog instructions) with more seeds. How can I tell if these seeds will germinate? Can I test a few and, if so, what would be the easiest, fastest method? Also, with my first batch of fermented seeds, I've had them drying on a paper plate for nearly a week. They seem soft to me. Also, though I tried to separate them when wet, many/most are clumped. Will it hurt them to gently separate them? Is the softness of the seeds indicative of a problem? Thanks for any advice!