Seed Germination Testing

Whether you operate a professional seed business or collect and save seed for yourself, it's necessary to make sure the seed you are selling or saving are actually viable. There are several ways you can test seeds for germination rates, we use the "paper towel and zip lock" method (maybe I should trademark and patent that)…

In our case, we produce and purchase wholesale seed to package and sell so we track and publish germination rates for every lot of seed we produce (regardless of source). For tracking I've created a database that, in very simple terms, looks something like this:

TABLE: PLANT_MASTER
FIELD: PLANT_ID
FIELD: PLANT_COMMON_NAME

TABLE: SEED_SOURCES
FIELD: SOURE_ID
FIELD: SOURCE_NAME

TABLE: SEED_LOTS
FIELD: LOT_ID
FIELD: PLANT_ID -> Link to PLANT_MASTER::PLANT_MASTER
FIELD: SOURCE_ID -> Link to SEED_SOURCES::SOURCE_ID

TABLE: SEED_GERMINATION_TESTS
FIELD: TEST_ID
FIELD: LOT_ID -> Link to SEED_LOTS::LOT_ID
FIELD: TEST_DATE
FIELD: NUM_SEEDS_TESTED
FIELD: GERM_TESTER

TABLE: SEED_GERMINATION_TEST_RESULTS
FIELD: RESULT_ID
FIELD: TEST_ID -> Link to SEED_GERMINATION_TESTS::TEST_ID
FIELD: NUM_GERMINATED
FIELD: NUM_NOT_GERMINATED
FIELD: NUM_BAD
FIELD: GERMINATION_PCT

So, for the actual test process, you'll need the following:

• Small zip lock baggie.
  
• Paper towel. I use the ones that come in smaller, half size sheets.
  
• Label to put on the baggie, I like the Avery address labels.
  
• Sharpie permanent marker.
  
• Seeds to test
  

Here's a picture of what I start with and the steps to do.

1. Fold the paper towel over in half.
   
2. Fold that half over again.
   
3. And fold it over yet again.
   
4. Moisten the paper towel and spread the seeds to test over it.
   
5. Fold the paper towel over again covering the seeds.
   
6. Place the paper towel inside the zip lock, label the baggie and fold it over.
   

Check the bag every couple days making sure you seal it back up. The paper towel should stay slightly moist but not soggy otherwise the seeds will rot. Depending on the plant it can take anywhere from 2 to 30 days for the seeds to germinate. Once you're confident all the seeds than can germinate have, record the results somewhere (we do in our database) and pack away.