How long do seeds take to germinate in paper towel, germination start mostly in 5-7 days for most of the cases, but it’s all depends on type and quality of seeds, temperature.
As I discussed in my previous post of different methods of seeds germination. I like easiest and effective seed germination method for beginners, paper towel method.
How long a seed takes to germinate in any method depend on type and quality of seeds, some seeds don’t even germinate if not properly done.
Quality Seeds available in market takes less time than fresh seeds, because coated seeds available in market are process seeds for faster germination.
Type of seeds also effect germination time. Germination of tomato seeds takes less time than germination of other seeds like lemon, pepper. Cauliflower seeds take less time than tomato seeds so it all depends on type of plant or seeds gardener is using for planting.
Doing paper towel method many things need to be consider, immediate plant sprouted seeds in soil, if seed start to get long stem it will be delicate and hard to plant but this is not true for all seeds. If planting lemon from seeds, I keep them sprouting long till I have 1-2 inch of sprout length and stem is stronger for it. For tomato and other I plant immediate in soil as i see seeds sprouting.
In paper towel method take a paper towel and soak in water
- Squeeze excess water and place seeds on top and wrap it , wrap it with another paper towel.
- seal it in ziplock bag or container and place at hot place.
- keep checking everyday or every other day sees will get some air/ventilation as well. That is important as well.
- seed should start germination or sprouting in 5-7 days if not change paper towel and do this method again.