Seed Germination Time Reference
Look up days to germination by vegetable type.
Includes optimal soil temperature and germination rate information.
Select a vegetable to see its germination time and optimal conditions.
Germination Information
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Seed germination time varies by vegetable type and soil temperature. Understanding these times helps gardeners plan planting schedules and troubleshoot poor germination.
Key factors affecting germination:
- Soil temperature is the most important factor. Seeds germinate fastest in their optimal temperature range.
- Moisture must be consistent but not waterlogged. Seeds need to absorb water to trigger germination.
- Seed depth should generally be 2-3 times the seed diameter.
- Seed age affects viability. Most vegetable seeds remain viable for 2-5 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Vegetable seed germination reference table:
| Vegetable | Days to Germinate | Optimal Soil Temp (F) | Optimal Soil Temp (C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | 5-7 | 60-65 | 16-18 |
| Basil | 5-10 | 70-75 | 21-24 |
| Beans (bush) | 6-10 | 70-80 | 21-27 |
| Beans (pole) | 8-14 | 70-80 | 21-27 |
| Beets | 7-14 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Broccoli | 5-10 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Cabbage | 5-10 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Carrots | 12-18 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Cauliflower | 5-10 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Celery | 14-21 | 60-70 | 16-21 |
| Corn | 7-10 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Cucumber | 5-10 | 70-85 | 21-29 |
| Eggplant | 7-14 | 75-85 | 24-29 |
| Kale | 5-10 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Lettuce | 5-10 | 60-70 | 16-21 |
| Melon | 5-10 | 75-85 | 24-29 |
| Onion | 10-14 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Parsley | 14-28 | 65-75 | 18-24 |
| Peas | 7-14 | 60-70 | 16-21 |
| Peppers | 10-21 | 75-85 | 24-29 |
| Pumpkin | 5-10 | 70-85 | 21-29 |
| Radish | 3-7 | 60-65 | 16-18 |
| Spinach | 7-14 | 60-65 | 16-18 |
| Squash | 5-10 | 70-85 | 21-29 |
| Tomato | 7-14 | 70-80 | 21-27 |
| Watermelon | 6-12 | 75-85 | 24-29 |
| Zucchini | 5-10 | 70-85 | 21-29 |
Temperature categories:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, peas, spinach, radish): Germinate best at 60-70F (16-21C). Can tolerate light frost.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans): Germinate best at 70-85F (21-29C). Need warm soil and no frost risk.
- Hot-season crops (eggplant, melons, watermelon): Need the warmest soil at 75-85F (24-29C) for best results.
Troubleshooting slow germination:
- If soil is too cold, seeds may rot before germinating. Use a soil thermometer to check actual temperature.
- If seeds are old, test germination rate by placing 10 seeds in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag. Count how many sprout in a week.
- Crusted soil surface can prevent seedlings from emerging. Keep soil surface lightly moist and loose.
Practical tip: A seedling heat mat placed under trays can raise soil temperature by 10-20F (5-11C) above ambient room temperature, which dramatically speeds up germination for warm-season crops started indoors.