How Many Days Does It Take for a Plant to Grow From a New Seed?

Germination Resources

• If your seeds are still in their packet from the garden center, the average germination time is usually printed on the back along with the planting instructions. If you are planting seeds without instructions, call your local cooperative extension office, which has a wealth of information about growing just about anything in your area. If all else fails, search the Internet for the germination time of the seed you're planting, although germination times can differ up to 25 percent from recommended times.

Germination

• When a seed has the right amount of water, oxygen and light--and the temperature is right--it begins to germinate. Water softens and penetrates the seed coat, waking up the dormant embryo. A root pokes through the seed coat. As the root grows downward, the stem grows upward and pokes through the soil. As the stem continues to grow, the first leaves finally emerge. The entire germination process may take five to 10 days, as it does for broccoli, or up to 20 days, as it does for geraniums.

Factors That Affect Germination

• Germination is affected by water, light, oxygen and temperature. A lack of water and temperatures outside the ideal range will slow or stop germination. Plants need oxygen both from the air and in the soil to live. Compacted soils lack oxygen, and seed cannot germinate. While many seeds can sprout without light, they cannot survive without the sunlight needed for photosynthesis. Some plant varieties must have light even for germination, however.

Seeds not Sprouting

• If seeds are taking longer to sprout than indicated, they may be old seeds, lack water or oxygen, or need pre-treating. If seeds are not stored properly or stored for too long, the dormant embryo actually dies. Therefore, many old seeds won't germinate. Dry or compacted soil lacks water and oxygen needed for germination. Turning the soil and supplying adequate water will improve germination times. Seeds with very hard seed coats may need to be soaked or rubbed between two pieces of sandpaper before they will germinate.