The favorite tomato variety has been chosen and the seeds are there. We make no secret here about how the little powerhouses can be encouraged to germinate.
How to germinate tomato seeds successfully?
To germinate tomatoes, soak the seeds overnight in lukewarm water, lukewarm chamomile tea, garlic broth or valerian flower extract. Then sow in seed soil, cover 0.5 cm with substrate and place in partial shade at 20-24 degrees Celsius. The germination period is 10-14 days.
How a gentle bath boosts your germination mood
As experience has proven, tomato seeds respond remarkably positively to a mild bath before sowing. The following variants have proven to be promising:
- soak overnight in lukewarm water
- Place in lukewarm chamomile tea for 6-8 hours
- Put garlic stock on and soak in it for 2-3 hours
- pickling in 2 percent valerian flower extract for 15 minutes, strengthens resistance to mold
The desired temperature of the water or broth can be easily maintained in a thermos flask. Garlic stock is easy to make yourself. Two cloves of garlic are pureed, dissolved in 10 liters of water overnight and sieved. Whatever is not used to prepare the seeds is ideal later as water to improve the taste in beds and pots. Valerian flower extract is available from specialist retailers.
This is how germination progresses quickly
The soaked seeds are sown in seed soil without delay. As a light germinator, the seeds may be covered with substrate or sand by a maximum of 0.5 centimeters. A distance of 3 centimeters between the tomato seeds is considered optimal. Place the cultivation pots in the partially shaded window seat. The ideal germination temperature fluctuates between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius.
A warm, humid microclimate noticeably promotes seed germination. You can create these tropical conditions in a heated indoor greenhouse (€90.00 on Amazon). Alternatively, stretch cling film over the pots. In both cases, regular ventilation must be ensured to prevent mold from forming.
Under the conditions described, you can expect a germination time of 10 to 14 days. During this time, be careful not to dry out or drown the seeds. Pouring from below has proven to be advantageous. To do this, place the seed containers in a few centimeters of water. Thanks to capillary forces, the water is absorbed to the surface without washing the seeds away.
Tips & Tricks
The resistance of young tomatoes to diseases is strengthened with the help of horsetail broth. While the seedlings are thriving indoors, the bed outdoors or in the greenhouse is repeatedly sprayed with the plant broth.
