Gardening always starts with seedlings. No fruit and berry crops, such as tomato, eggplant and others, can be grown through pre-sowing. And it seems that everything has already been prepared: the seeds have been purchased, the soil has been purchased or prepared independently; containers are prepared. And so you sit down and begin to wait. You wait 5 days, a week, but there are still no shoots. And here the summer resident has only two options: replant the seedlings or try to understand the reasons for the lack of seedlings. Today we will try to answer the question: why tomato seeds do not germinate, and what to do in this situation.
Reasons for lack of germination
With almost 100% probability we can say that the most common reason for non-germination of seed material is non-compliance with agricultural practices. Or in other words - gardener mistakes. What errors are included in this category?
Poor quality seeds
No matter how you care for the seedlings, water them, or maintain temperature conditions, they will not sprout if the seeds were initially defective or of poor quality. Of course, it is difficult to immediately determine by eye whether the seeds are bad or not. Therefore, many resort to rejection using an aqueous salt solution (which will be discussed below). There are several reasons why seeds will be of poor quality:
- While the berries were ripening, the tomato bush suffered from lack of nutrition;
- Unripe or diseased fruits were used for seeds;
- Improper seed storage;
- The seeds are old. The optimal period for planting is no older than 5 years. Seeds older than 5 years are not suitable for planting.
Most of these mistakes are made by novice gardeners who are unfamiliar with many secrets. For example, many people know that tomatoes can be picked green, and they will ripen perfectly at home. They probably thought the same thing when they collected seeds from green tomatoes. How to properly collect seed material? There are some tips:
- Tomato berries must certainly be ripe and without any signs of disease;
- Before planting, the seeds must be washed and disinfected;
- Carry out screening in saline solution. But don’t forget to rinse thoroughly afterwards, otherwise germination will decrease;
- When storing finished planting material, do not allow it to get wet.
Unsuitable soil
Another common reason is poor quality soil for seedlings. For seeds to germinate well, they need a large amount of oxygen. It is for this reason that the soil should not be dense and too wet.
Good and high-quality soil should be loose, light and with a reduced or neutral level of acid.
If the soil is dense, the seeds simply will not have enough strength to rise to the surface. Even if sprouts appear, their stem will be thin, brittle and weak.
Also, in no case should the soil be contaminated with pathogens. Of course, any seller swears that his products are of the highest quality, but anything can happen. That is why it is better to play it safe and disinfect the soil with potassium permanganate. As a last resort - Fitosporin.
Temperature
Summer residents, even beginners, rarely make this mistake. Any amateur amateur knows that no crop will grow without sufficient heat. But there are also those who place the sown seeds in a cold place, with insufficient temperature. Remember the rule of the correct temperature: the optimal temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. If it is smaller, the seeds will take longer to germinate. If it’s even smaller, they won’t sprout at all.
Deep planting of seeds
This seems funny, but many people think that the deeper the seeds are planted, the better and stronger they will be fixed in the soil. This is absolutely not true. The normal depth for sowing is 1-2 cm. This is no longer possible, because the seed and the young sprout do not have enough strength to rise to the surface. Seeds scattered on the surface will also not be able to gain a foothold in the soil. This is the basis for agricultural technology.
Improper watering
And this reason is the saddest and most depressing, since many people neglect the rule of watering: they water immediately after sowing and then also water abundantly. As a result, the soil becomes waterlogged or becomes affected by mold. The sprouts die as soon as they begin to grow.
The most important thing is not to overdo it. Seeds will not sprout not only if there is a lack of moisture, but also if there is an excess of it. If the ground is too wet, it will not have oxygen. The sprouts will simply die. And under no circumstances should you water the soil after sowing! To remove excess moisture from the container, place a drainage layer on the bottom before filling the soil. Remember the rule for watering seedlings:
- Moisten the soil generously. But before planting the seeds;
- Do not water as usual. It is enough to irrigate the drying soil with a spray bottle.
Prevention
To avoid unnecessary problems with seedlings, it is recommended to choose seed material as responsibly as possible and follow the rules of sowing:
- Do not use old and overdried seeds. Tomatoes retain their ability to germinate for 7 years, but much depends on how the seeds are stored and what their original quality was. When preparing your own seed material, it should be used in the near future. If the purchase is made in a store, then you need to carefully check the expiration date indicated on the package;
- When preparing the soil for seedlings, you do not need to make it very light and add peat in large quantities. It is recommended to mix the substrate with turf, leaf soil and humus. Additionally, you can compact the soil a little with your hands;
- When deepening the seed material, it is worth remembering that the optimal depth for tomatoes is 1 cm. Before sowing the seeds, it is recommended to soak them to soften the seed coat and accelerate germination;
- If there is dry air, it is worth covering the heating devices. Some gardeners use household humidifiers; this useful device greatly facilitates the life of seedlings;
- the soil in containers with seedlings must be moistened, even in the absence of seedlings. It is best to use a spray bottle for watering, but it is important to take precautions so that the ground does not get too wet;
- It is recommended to remove covering materials only when seedlings appear. Seeds will germinate successfully if the tomatoes are provided with suitable microclimatic conditions.
Helpful advice. If there is any doubt that the planting material is not of very high quality, and the seeds look very dry, then they should be soaked not in an aqueous environment, but in solutions that stimulate plant growth.
What retards the growth of seedlings
So, the seeds were sown correctly, agricultural technology began to be followed. But several more days pass, and the seedlings still do not sprout. What's the matter here? And again it’s a matter of typical gardener mistakes: poor lighting, small amounts of vitamins, improper picking or illness. Let's consider each reason separately.
Lack of lighting
Many gardeners have observed this picture: the seedlings on the windowsill have grown tall, but with thin stems. It will be problematic for her to gain a foothold in the garden. All this would not have happened if the owner had provided the seedlings with sufficient light. Normally, young animals need at least 14 hours of light per day. If the weather is cloudy and rainy, the seedlings are illuminated with special lamps.
Errors when picking
Picking is a mandatory procedure for tomato crops, thanks to which the seedlings will grow as they should. The correct picking process looks like this: at the stage of appearance of 2-3 leaves, the young seedling is carefully pulled out of the container, along with a small lump of earth. The root is not shaken off. Next, transplant the seedling along with the lump into a separate pot or glass and lightly sprinkle it with earth. But many make mistakes in seemingly simple matters. Which:
- They moisten the soil too much. To make the seedling easier to pull out, the soil is watered. Not too much. In general, when growing seedlings, it is very important not to overwater, otherwise the roots will rot. As soon as the seedlings are transplanted into a separate pot, forget about watering. Better spray;
- They are stalling for time. Early picking will lead to the death of the sprouts, and late picking will lead to intertwining of roots, which can then be very difficult to untangle;
- Dirty garden tools. Seedlings may get sick. Disinfect the instrument before picking;
- Incorrect container size. Optimal - 0.3 l;
- Feeding immediately after picking. No need to do this, wait at least a day. First, the seedlings need to adapt.
Nutritional deficiencies
The natural reason why seedlings do not sprout for a long time is hypovitaminosis. Even a person’s immunity is weakened if there are not enough vitamins in his body. What to say about plants. Not only do they grow poorly, but they can also get sick. Gardeners often use wood ash, which contains large amounts of microelements and vitamins. Or they use bird droppings as a source of nitrogen.
Diseases and pests
Seedlings will not sprout for a long time if there is an infection in the soil or on the seed coat. Prevention consists of soil disinfection and pre-germination of seeds.
What to do to restore growth
People who grow tomatoes for the first time do not know what to do to restore their growth. To improve the growth of vegetables, special biostimulants are used. The seedlings are processed several days before transplanting to a permanent growing location. It is also sprayed after transplantation 2-3 times a month.
The most effective biostimulants include the following:
- "Silk";
- "Kornevin";
- "Zircon";
- "Epin-Extra".
Recommendations for growing seeds
In order for the seeds to germinate faster and soon delight you with a harvest, follow a few recommendations that will help you: first prepare the seed material and sort it.
Seed sorting
Many summer residents carry out sorting. This is done in order to reject unsuitable seeds at the initial stage. What is being done for this:
- Take a glass of warm water into which a teaspoon of salt is poured;
- Stir the salt and place the seeds there for 10-15 minutes;
- "Dummy" - those that floated to the surface. They are caught with a strainer and thrown away. The remaining ones (which have settled to the bottom) are washed in running water and dried.
Each variety in its own container
All summer residents do this. Just so you don't get confused. After all, there are early-ripening, mid- and late-ripening varieties, and sometimes the names are the same. This simplifies the growing process.
Seed preparation
The preparation process consists of several stages:
- Sorting;
- Disinfection of seeds with potassium permanganate;
- Spraying with a growth stimulator;
- Hardening for a couple of days in the refrigerator;
- Germination. Such seeds will sprout faster.
Soil for seedlings
Planting soil is a kind of “mother” for plants. It is in it that the sprouts sprout and gain strength. Therefore, it must be of high quality:
- Loose;
- Easy;
- Ventilated;
- Healthy;
- Not sour.
Sowing technology
Any seed will sprout if you follow the planting pattern. You can’t just scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil: maybe they’ll sprout. The planting scheme includes the following:
- The soil should be backfilled and slightly compacted, not reaching the edge of the container a couple of centimeters;
- Scheme: the width of the planting furrows is approximately 3 cm, the depth of sowing seeds is no more than 2 cm; the distance between the seeds is 2 cm. As soon as the seeds are sown, they are sprinkled with a layer of soil on top, no more than 1 cm;
- Cover the container with cling film, a lid or glass and put it in a warm place.
Why didn't the seeds sprout?
The germination of tomato seeds and the growth rate of seedlings depend on several factors. Among the most important points are the quality and shelf life of seed material, its preliminary preparation and sowing time. Equally important are the conditions for growing seedlings - the soil used, temperature, air humidity and light.
Low seed quality
The reason for the poor germination of tomato seeds may be due to their low quality. Most often, this problem occurs when purchasing material in stores or markets. Typically, the shelf life of seeds does not exceed 12-24 months from the date of packaging.
Before purchasing, be sure to study the information on the packaging specified by the manufacturer. The less time has passed since the seeds were packed, the better and faster they will sprout.
An important factor is the manufacturer and price of the material. It is best to choose products from well-known, reputable agricultural companies. Also, you should not trust too low prices for seeds, especially rare or hybrid ones. There is a very high probability that their quality does not correspond to what was declared.
Unsuitable soil
For rapid and friendly germination of tomato seeds, loose, light and fertile soil is required. When using dense and heavy soil containing clay, seedlings may not occur. Such a substrate does not allow moisture and oxygen to pass through well, as a result of which the seed cannot fully “breathe” and develop.
Also, a substrate with a high percentage of sand is not suitable for tomato seedlings. It dries very quickly and contains a minimum of humus. Sowing in such soil leads to rapid death from insufficient nutrition.
Air temperature
Optimal conditions for germinating tomato seeds are from +22 to +27°C. It is advisable to place pots, containers and other containers with crops near radiators and other heat sources.
Before the first shoots appear, the crops should be covered with glass or plastic film. The greenhouse effect helps retain moisture in the soil. Immediately after germination of the first seedlings, the shelter must be removed and the temperature reduced to +13-17°C.
After 4 days, the temperature should be increased to +20-24°C. Such a decrease in temperature will help strengthen the immunity of the seedlings and harden them, preparing them for the upcoming transplant to a permanent place.
You should not immediately place the container with the crops on the windowsill. Cold air coming from the window will slow down seed germination.
Improper watering and lighting
Tomato seeds love plenty of sunlight. The container with the crops must be turned in different directions every day so that all seedlings receive the same amount of light. If there is a lack of sunlight, you need to use phytolamps or other sources of additional lighting.
Watering plays an important role in the germination of tomato seeds. As the top layer of soil dries, the crops should be sprayed with a spray bottle using warm, settled water. In this case, it is necessary to carefully ensure that drops of water do not fall on the leaves of the growing seedlings.
Seed sowing depth
For quick and friendly germination of a tomato seed, you need to take into account the optimal depth of its immersion in the soil. It should not exceed 7-9 mm. With a slight deepening, the sprout appears with a strong seed “shell”, which it will not have time to “shed”.
If the seed is immersed too deeply in the soil, it will be very difficult for the seeds to break through the thickness of the soil to the surface, so the summer resident may not wait for tomato shoots.
No pre-sowing treatment
An important condition for the rapid and friendly germination of tomato seeds is their pre-treatment. You cannot immediately sow purchased or collected seeds. They need to be prepared for sowing:
- Place the seeds on a saucer or sheet of paper and inspect them carefully - discard any specimens that are too large or small, darkened or deformed.
- Select healthy and viable seeds - to do this, fill them with saline solution (1 tablespoon of salt per glass of water) and leave for 15-20 minutes. All empty and lifeless seeds will float to the surface and can be discarded immediately.
- Selected seeds need to be disinfected - this can be done using a weak solution of potassium permanganate, Chlorgesidine or Fitoporin. The material must be poured for 20 minutes (in Fitosporin - for 1-2 hours), then dried thoroughly.
- To improve germination, it is advisable to treat the seeds in special growth stimulants. Such drugs include Epin-Extra, Zircon, Energen. These products must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Additionally, you can germinate tomato seeds before sowing. To do this, soak cotton sponges or gauze in warm water, distribute the seeds evenly on top and cover with a second cloth of the same type.
Leave the seeds to germinate in a warm place, remembering to spray them with a spray bottle from time to time. The rate of germination of the material can be assessed as early as the next day.
Failure to comply with sowing deadlines
Compliance with sowing dates is very important for the rapid and uniform germination of tomato seeds. If sowed too early, the sprouts will stretch out and the overgrown roots will be squeezed in a small container.
If sowing is too late, there is a high probability that the sprouts will form slowly and will require a lot of time to adapt to new conditions, which negatively affects the development and fruiting of tomatoes.
The optimal time for sowing tomatoes depends on their variety, growing conditions (indoors or open ground) and the climatic characteristics of each specific region. In most cases, tomato seeds are sown approximately 55-60 days before the intended planting of seedlings in a permanent place.
In the southern regions with a warm and mild climate, you can start sowing tomato seeds for seedlings in February, in central Russia - from the second half of February to mid-March. In the north of the country, sowing is carried out from the second half of March, but on condition that the seedlings are grown under film cover.
How to help a tomato germinate
In order for the plant to grow normally, it can be helped. For normal growth and development, the bush must be healthy, “well-fed” and breathe normally.
Loosen the soil
At the stage of growing in a container, the soil is loosened very carefully, after each watering.
No garden tools!
Only use a toothpick and apply it precisely so as not to damage the growth. At the stage of the beds, you can use gardening tools, having previously disinfected them. Loosening saturates the soil with oxygen and retains the necessary moisture in the soil.
Treatment of beds with stimulants
This is a common practice among gardeners. If the drug is of high quality, it helps the plant not to get sick and to germinate faster. And some of them activate the plant’s own immunity. The most popular drugs:
- Epin: activator of “internal” immunity. How to use: spraying with a 2% solution;
- Energen: plant growth stimulant and activator. Strengthens the immune system. How to use: 30 drops per liter of water. Next, water the beds with ungerminated seeds or young seedlings;
- Zircon: growth stimulator. Strengthens seeds at the germination stage. How to use: dilute 10 drops in a liter of water.
How to feed thin tomato seedlings
In order for the plant to grow well, it needs to be fed periodically. Then it will not only not get sick, but will also produce an excellent harvest. Most often, professional medications are used, but sometimes folk remedies are also used.
Drugs
The preparations already contain the necessary set of microelements and vitamins. But they need to be used if you notice any defect in the seedlings. If the foliage of the seedlings is pale green or yellow, it lacks nitrogen. If the stems droop and lean toward the ground, it means the roots are weak and lack potassium and phosphorus. What drugs will fill this or that shortage?
- Nitroammophoska: nitrogen, phosphorus and other microelements;
- Agromax;
- Mullein, bird guano;
- Urea;
- Boric acid.
Folk remedies
Special medications are sometimes quite expensive. Then some resort to folk remedies:
- Banana peel: saturates with potassium and phosphorus. How to use: place fresh peel on the bottom of the pots during the picking process;
- Coffee grounds: nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. Not only is it nutritious, but it also makes the soil looser and more breathable. How to use: mix the grounds with soil before sowing;
- Yeast mash: dilute 10 grams of live yeast in warm water, adding 4 tablespoons of sugar. Leave until bubbles appear, then dilute in water in a ratio of 1:10.
What conditions do seedlings need for good growth?
In order for tomato seedlings to grow well, they need to be provided with suitable growing conditions. They also need good care.
Optimal temperature conditions
After sowing, the container should be removed to a warm place (from 23 to 26 degrees). If it is at a temperature of 10–15 degrees, then the emergence of seedlings may take a long time.
As soon as the emerging seedlings begin to form the first pair of true leaf blades, the air temperature at night is reduced to 16–18 degrees, while during the day it should be from 20 to 22 degrees. Thanks to this temperature regime, the seedlings will grow and develop well.
Substrate temperature is also important for the growth and development of seedlings. It should be warmed up to 20–25 degrees.
If the earthen lump is cooled to 14 degrees or lower, then the growth of the plants will stop or stop altogether. If the substrate temperature is above 25 degrees, then the tomatoes will grow much faster, but this may negatively affect the future harvest.
Read more in the article: How to add light to tomato seedlings
Length of daylight
Immediately after the seedlings appear, they need to be provided with additional lighting. The optimal length of daylight for tomato seedlings is from 12 to 15 hours. In this case, all tomato seedlings must be provided with additional lighting, regardless of which window they are growing in.
In the cold season, you need to turn on the lamps at about 6 o'clock in the morning, and turn them off at about 9 o'clock in the evening. On a sunny day at midday, the lamps can be turned off.
Due to insufficiently long daylight hours and poor lighting, the seedlings stretch out and become weakened.
Optimal air humidity level
Tomato seedlings grow well at normal air humidity typical for living rooms. However, due to the intensive operation of heating devices, the air becomes very dry, so in the cold season it is recommended to systematically spray the plant with a spray bottle or you can use a humidifier.
If there is excessively high air humidity in a warm room, this can cause the development of fungal diseases. In this case, ventilation should be carried out systematically.
Proper watering
While the seedlings are very small, they need to be watered in a timely manner, and try to keep the soil mixture in the container a little damp at all times. Do not under any circumstances allow the earthen clod to dry out, as this may cause the tomatoes to die.
Grown seedlings are watered less frequently, while trying to wet the substrate to its full depth, but do not allow moisture to stagnate in the root system.
Watering is recommended early in the morning. But you should not moisten the soil in the evening, since at night the air temperature can drop significantly, which will lead to problems with seedlings.
Availability of essential nutrients
To grow seedlings, you should use a light, loose soil mixture of a neutral reaction, which allows water and air to pass through well and is rich in nutrients.
Young tomatoes need potassium and phosphorus the most. However, feeding should be moderate. If the plants are overfed, they will begin to grow intensively, and this may negatively affect future yields.
Read more in the article: How to feed tomato seedlings for growth at home
Reviews
Vladimir, Serpukhov
“The only time my seeds didn’t germinate was when I was planting for the first year. Just remember that 99.9% of seed failures are your own fault. Even if you don’t know it yourself, there is the Internet, as a last resort.”
Lyudmila, Kaluga
“The only reason my seeds fail to sprout is because of poor soil. And then, I already got rid of it. You just need to not only check the seeds, but also disinfect the soil and not compact it too much.”
Mikhail, Novorossiysk
“My secret is in advance preparation. I do everything possible with the seeds: I reject them in a salt solution, soak them in potassium permanganate, and spray them with a stimulant. I'm germinating. Sprouted seeds are an almost 100% guarantee that everything will sprout.”
