A germination test tells you what fraction of your seeds are viable — sprouted divided by planted. Run it on a paper towel before sowing a whole tray, and sow more thickly if the rate is low.
For the garden
Grow more.
Seed starting tray kit
Sprout indoors early.
Heat mat for seeds
Warm soil, faster germination.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good germination rate?
80%+ is excellent, 60–80% is good. Below 50% and you should sow more thickly or replace the seed.
How do I test germination?
Place 10–20 seeds on a damp paper towel, keep warm, and count how many sprout after the expected days.