Germinated Seeds Are Rotting

Light

• Light enables healthy, mature plants to produce the carbohydrates they need to survive. Light plays a role in seedling development and germination but not in food production. Light, in conjunction with other factors, helps trigger the biological mechanisms necessary for some plant seeds to begin germination. Plants like petunia, lettuce, impatiens and begonia require light during the pre-germination and germination stages. When these seeds fail to receive adequate light, they will fail to germinate. Failed seeds often rot in the ground. Other seeds require no light, but plants such as calendula, vinca and verbena require darkness for successful germination. Before planting seeds, determine their specific needs to avoid seed rot, usually listed on the seed packet.

Moisture

• Seed coats are hard and seemingly impenetrable. Seeds, when supplied with consistent moisture, take in the fluid. The result is a loosened seed coat. A soft seed coat allows the interior seed to emerge. When moisture is inconsistent, a newly germinating seed may cease development and rot in the ground. This situation occurs when moist soil dries, but also when moist soil is saturated with excess water.

Temperature

• Consistent temperatures are a determining factor in seed germination. Most seeds germinate successfully when temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. Some seeds require warmer temperatures while others, mostly woody plant seeds, require a chilling period followed by warm temperatures to germinate. Woody plant seeds that do not receive adequately cool winter temperatures will fail to germinate in spring. Rot occurs when a seed begins to germinate but temperature changes fail to remain consistent and accommodate further development.

Soil

• A seed's growing medium greatly affects its ability to germinate. Aerated soil allows light, oxygen and water to penetrate soil and reach germinating seeds. When soil is compacted and saturated, seeds will fail to germinate. The saturated, airless seeds will rot. Plant seeds at their required depth. Seeds that are planted too deeply will rot in the ground. Follow the guidance written on the back of seed packets for proper seed sowing depth and timing.