Why Haven't My Newly Planted Seedlings Emerged?

Did you forget to water your seedlings or were there any dry spells?

Did you water your seedbed with a strong spray of water or was there any heavy rain after planting?

Do the planted seeds belong to a species of slow germinating plants?

Did you buy seeds from an unreliable source or use your stored old seeds?

Did you plant seeds in different soil depths than instructed on the seed package?

Was there any unusually cold weather after planting the seeds?

Once the seeds have started to grow, even before they have emerged from the soil, they will die easily if allowed to dry out. Check the seedbed and seed flats at least once a day. Water when the soil surface starts to dry slightly.

If a seedbed is watered with a forceful spray or heavy rain, water may wash away the seeds. Water seedbeds gently. Do not allow the water to puddle and runoff. Use a watering can or nozzle that delivers a gentle spray.

Seeds of different kinds of plants vary considerably in the amount of time they require to germinate. Check how long does it take for your specific seeds to germinate and if that time had not passed, wait longer for seedlings to emerge.

Unreliable sellers may sell old, diseased or inferior quality seeds with poor seed viability. Always buy seeds from reputable nurseries or seed companies. Plant seeds packed for the current year.

Seeds vary in their planting depth requirements. If planted too deeply or too shallowly, the seeds may fail to germinate. Plant seeds at the proper depth. Follow the instructions on the commercial seed packet or consult a reputable nursery.

Cold weather may delay seed germination considerably or prevent germination entirely. Wait for the warmer weather and many of the seeds will probably sprout. The following year, plant seeds later in the season after the soil have warmed.

Germinating seedlings are susceptible to damping-off disease. Fungi that cause damping-off attack seedlings as they emerge from the seeds. It usually occurs in wet and cool soil. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between watering. Delay planting in spring until the soil warms. Use seed treated with a registered fungicide.