My Dwarf Basil Is Not Germinating

Temperature

• Basil is a heat-loving plant, so seeds need warmth to germinate. Consistent temperatures of 60 Fahrenheit are ideal for all basil seeds. If sowing the seeds outdoors, ensure the temperatures never dip below 60 Fahrenheit for best results, although high 50s are often suitable night temperatures for outdoor basil seed germination. In areas where temperatures are not warm enough, grow your dwarf basil indoors in containers or start the seed indoors and transplant it to your outdoor garden when the temperature is warm enough. Failure to provide dwarf basil seeds with suitable temperatures may result in lack of germination.

Light

• Basil requires sunlight to grow properly and become a productive, mature plant. Basil seeds are no different, requiring light to germinate. Dwarf basil needs full sunlight if planted outdoors, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Grown indoors, dwarf basil requires six hours in a sunny windowsill or use of an ultraviolet grow light for 14 to 18 hours daily. Lack of proper amounts of light retards the growth and germination of basil seeds, possibly preventing them from germinating at all.

Soil

• Dwarf basil seeds need a rich, well-drained soil to properly germinate. Choose a nutrient-packed seed starter mix to provide the seeds with optimum nutrition as they germinate and grow. Moisten the mix prior to planting the seeds and keep it moist during the germination period. Dwarf basil seeds need moisture in the soil, but make sure the soil allows excess moisture to drain rather than stand in the soil as this could kill the seeds. Dry soil, tightly packed soil or seeds planted too deeply also can prevent germination.

Time

• Dwarf basil seeds have a five- to 14-day germination period. This means that the seeds may sprout any time from five days to two weeks following planting. If the two- week mark has passed, your seeds may never germinate. However, if your seeds are still in that five- to 14-day window, be patient and wait for germination to occur.

Bad Seeds

• No matter how ideal the temperature, how much light, how perfect the soil and how much time you allow; some seeds never germinate. This is because the seeds may be old, diseased or simply not viable. Only plant seeds 1 year old or newer. Purchase fresh seeds from a reputable dealer or collect them from healthy plant to increase your chances of germination. If your seeds are bad and will not germinate, start over with a fresh planting of new seeds.