How long do seed take to germinate?

Answer 1

Between 1-7 days, usually around day 2.

Answer 2

The length of time it takes a seed to germinate depends on a range of factors. Some of the most important are:

• The type (species and varietiy) of seed
• Where, when and how it is sown,
• The type of soil and local climate where it is sown,
• The age of the seed.

The range of germination times generally varies from as little as one day (e.g. for some mustard seeds) to over one year (e.g. for some trees). Most seeds need particular conditions of temperature, light (or darkness), oxygen concentration, pH, nutrients and moisture for them to germinate, and if conditions are not optimal then germination may be delayed or may not occur at all. Also, in the wild some seeds need additional specific influences in order to germinate. For example, in some heathland, dryland and forest habitats, some species need to be exposed to fire in order to germinate. Other seeds or nuts may need to experience freezing temperatures or undergo dormancy during winter periods before they will germinate. Some orchid seeds need to be infected by a specific fungus before they will grow, and other seeds need to pass through an animal's gut in order to germinate.

If you want to plant (or have recently planted) seeds and want to know how long it will be before you start to see some green shoots, there is no quick answer. In temperate countries, most commercially sold garden flower seeds can be expected to germinate in somewhere between 14 to 30 days. Some may germinate sooner, some later, some not at all if they are sterile, if conditions are not right, or if they succumb to a pathogen. For some seeds, it is possible to accelarate germination. For example, European primrose (Primula vulgaris) seeds normally take 2 to 4 weeks to germinate if the conditions are right, but may germinate more quickly (in 2 or 3 days) if placed in a small pot of damp compost and placed in a polythene bag indoors at 15 - 20 degrees C. But this is not appropriate for all species. The best thing you can do is look up a good gardening guide, or speak to a botanist about any particular species.