How can I coax a seed to sprout?

Question

I have had cilantro seeds in a single layer of tissue (at first like 8 layers) for three days and nothing has happened. How long does it take a seed to start growing? This is an experiment for my daughter so I don't want to disappoint her, but I don't want to wait forever either. Any ideas?

I had the seeds in a lot of tissue that got heavy and cold the first two days, will this affect anything?

Answer 1

Most seeds just need moisture and warmth. they should have sprouted withen about 5 days. Maybe old seed. I put seed in a couple of layers oa damp paper towels and lay them on top of the of my refrigerator where it is warm.

Answer 2

Cilantro normally takes a descent while to sprout. Give it 1-2 weeks. Sometimes it's best with seeds to refrigerate them some before trying to germinate them. Some seeds need to kind of go through a little bit of a cold spell before being germinated. I wouldn't try putting them in the refrigerator now though since you've already started the germination process. A slight bit of warmth might also help the seeds start, but room temperature should do.

Also make sure not to get the tissue too wet. I recommend using something like paper towels to use as a medium. If you get the seeds too wet then they will rot instead of germinate due to lack of oxygen.

Answer 3

Try a better medium like paper towels that won't fully collapse around the seeds ans they will need to have some air circulation around them or they will rot. Dampen the towel, don't soak it and give it a gentle heat source. Depending on how long the seeds have been in the tissue, you may need new cilantro seeds. The heat source could be a heal lamp or a room register, just nothing too hot. Aim for about 90-105 degrees.

Answer 4

How can I coax a seed to sprout? Give them a test tickle! That's a joke. There is a product out called rootone which is a hormone which stimulates the development. Try dissolving some of this in the water.

Answer 5

It depends on the seed. Some take longer than others. I would wait at least a week. If nothing has sprouted by then maybe you have bad seeds.

Answer 6

put them in a folded paper towel and wet it and make sure it stays wet it should only take a couple of days..i have to do this with some of my flower seeds every spring and it works great..
i have also put flower seeds in a cup of water and that only took a couple of days but make sure they dont dry out....

Answer 7

They need warmth and darkness. I don't specifically know this plant, but most herbs take 2 weeks or so.