How to do a germination test

SueCT · March 20, 2016

I have not been successful in the past when I saved seeds, although admittedly I only tried once before. This year I want to test the germination of seeds I saved last year. I placed 10 seeds in a damp paper towel in a baggie on a warming mat with the temp sensor also between the paper towels. I has been reading about 78 degrees. After 4-5 days I see 2 seeds have started to germinate and possibly 2 more are about to start, will have to see. But this does not seem to be a recommended way to germinate seeds, so I wondered if it was a fair test. I will be planting in starting mix, not pre germinating my plants this way, since I have read the chances if fungus problems go up with this method. I just want to know how viable the seeds are. If you were going to do a germination test on your seeds what method would you use?

March 20, 2016	#1
SueCT Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,460	How to do a germination test I have not been successful in the past when I saved seeds, although admittedly I only tried once before. This year I want to test the germination of seeds I saved last year. I placed 10 seeds in a damp paper towel in a baggie on a warming mat with the temp sensor also between the paper towels. I has been reading about 78 degrees. After 4-5 days I see 2 seeds have started to germinate and possibly 2 more are about to start, will have to see. But this does not seem to be a recommended way to germinate seeds, so I wondered if it was a fair test. I will be planting in starting mix, not pre germinating my plants this way, since I have read the chances if fungus problems go up with this method. I just want to know how viable the seeds are. If you were going to do a germination test on your seeds what method would you use?