If your sprouts don't germinate properly in the sprout jar, frustration can quickly set in. We can tell you from many years of experience that the same reasons are almost always responsible for this. And that's exactly what we're presenting in this blog article today:
Seed quality is the be-all and end- all
Not all seeds are the same, no matter how similar the tiny seed grains may look. The quality in particular has a decisive influence on whether your sprouts germinate or not.
You can briefly determine the seed quality based on these criteria:
- Organic certification: Only organic certification and verification by an established organic control body guarantee the highest quality goods. Organic cultivation guarantees that the seeds are neither treated, irradiated nor contaminated with chemicals. Organic labeling is regulated uniformly in the EU. If a product bears an eco-label, the company behind it undertakes to comply with the requirements of the EU Eco-Regulation.
- Microbial examination & testing for germination: Germinated material should, if possible, be subjected to a microbial examination in the laboratory. This ensures that there are no traces of salmonella, fungi, pests or E.coli bacteria among the seeds. The greatest possible safety is also guaranteed if the seeds are tested for germination before being sold.
- Origin of the seeds: Another important point is whether your desired seeds come from regional producers or at least from EU cultivation. If the seeds are used to the regional climate and soil conditions, they are more manageable and easier to care for. When you buy seeds from your region, you also support local agriculture and the survival of organic farmers.
- Solid seeds: In contrast to hybrid varieties, solid organic seeds are as original and unbred as possible. This ensures that the later young plants still contain a high proportion of nutrients.
- Storing seeds: The shelf life of your seeds depends on both the manufacturer's storage conditions and yours. The organic seeds prefer to be kept evenly cool (approx. 15° C), dark and dry without any temperature fluctuations and ideally in an airtight packaging. If stored optimally, your seeds can last for at least 1 year, if not several years.
Homemade sprout jars can be problematic
Whether your sprouts germinate or not also depends on the equipment used. A good sprout glass set consists of:
- A glass
- A sieve lid
- A stand frame
- A drip tray
Each of these components is very important for uncomplicated and successful sprout cultivation. By placing the sprout glass upside down in the holder, excess water can flow through the sieve into the drip tray at any time. This also creates air circulation, which also plays a key role in preventing moisture and mold.
Especially at the beginning, many newbies often simply use a mason jar with a normal lid to try it out. What many people forget: a stand and a colander! Without the appropriate equipment, growing sprouts is not very time-consuming, but also quickly leads to moisture and mold. If you want to put together your sprout jar yourself, you should build a suitable device for this.
Unsuitable varieties do not germinate as sprouts
There are varieties that are simply not suitable for growing sprouts and therefore do not germinate properly in the sprout jar.
- Microgreen instead of sprouts : Varieties with a hard shell feel much more comfortable in soil, e.g. beetroot , spinach , chard , rocket .
- Slime-forming varieties : Varieties such as red amaranth , chia , golden linseed , cress , arugula , mustard and mustard red form slime when soaked. cress sieve is suitable for such candidates .
In our blog article “ Pulling sprouts – this is how it works!” ” we will explain to you in detail how to grow it in the sprout jar and on the cress sieve.
The seeds may have dried out
If you forget to rinse 2x3 times a day or put your jars in a place that is too warm, your seeds can dry out. This means that your budding sprouts will no longer germinate or will only partially germinate. Our tip: Move your sprout jars from the windowsill to the kitchen table or another corner of your worktop. Also, make it a habit to check on your sprouts before or after brushing your teeth in the morning and evening. If that doesn't work, the only thing that can help is the good old alarm clock :)
Sprouts will not germinate at the wrong room temperature
Sprouts feel most comfortable at a room temperature between 18° and 22° C.
In hot summer temperatures, bacteria or fungi can develop and the sprouts can dry out more quickly - especially if there is too little watering. In cool winter temperatures, there is often a risk that the seedlings will be overwatered, which will also lead to the development of mold and fungi. In the cold, the mini plants can absorb less water.
Temperature also plays a major role when it comes to storing seeds or germinating seeds: Germination ability can decrease drastically due to temperatures that are too high.
Soaking times must be taken into account
In our FAQ under “Sprouts” you will find the soaking and germination times for all of our varieties. If you accidentally soak your seeds for 1-2 hours too long, this is usually not a big problem. However, it may well be that the subsequent germination rate can decrease as a result. The same thing can happen if you forget to soak your sprout seeds initially.
Conclusion: So you can see that you can avoid many of the reasons why your sprouts may not germinate:
- Choose a suitable cultivation set
- Use suitable organic seeds for growing sprouts
- Find a suitable place in your home for seed storage and cultivation
We wish you much success with your next cultivation!
