Starter Guide: How to Germinate Tomato Seeds Faster

Seed germination is the first step in tomato gardening. This is a process where a mature seed breaks open to develop roots, stem, and leaves under ideal conditions. Under normal conditions, tomato seed takes 6 to 10 days to germinate. 

Viable seeds require optimum soil moisture content, temperature, humidity, and proper air circulation for successful germination.  However, various factors will influence how fast germination takes:

Soil temperature

The temperature of the soil is an important factor when it comes to tomato seed germination. It affects the time taken for the seeds to sprout. The optimal temperature for tomato seeds germination is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You may want to germinate your seeds a bit early when the temperatures are still cool before the onset of summer. There are some options you can exploit to ensure the soil remains warm within the recommended temperature range. 

Place your tomato starting mix trays on top of heat-producing appliances, such as a refrigerator, which can help to keep the soil warm. Using a heating pad covered with a towel can also save the situation when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Placing heating lamps right above the seed containers can also help to keep the soil warm. Although light is not necessary during germination, it can help after the sprouting of the seeds. This technique is best when practicing indoor tomato gardening.

Soil moisture content

The amount of moisture content in the soil also determines the germination rate and percentage. Overwatering is the quickest way of decreasing the germination rate. The soil is supposed to be slightly moist and not soaking wet.

The soil is supposed to allow air to reach the seeds. Squeezing a fistful of moistened soil is the simplest way of checking if there is excess water in the soil or not. You are supposed to see only a few drops and not a stream of water from the soil.

Check for the soil moisture content on a daily basis. If the soil is dry, use a pump spray to moisten the seed starting mix. The moisture content can be maintained by covering the trays with a clear plastic dome. When the seeds start to germinate, remove the covers to allow air to circulate freely.

Humidity

Humidity also affects the germination of tomato seeds. When humidity is too low, the air becomes too dry, which increases the evaporation rate. The seed may not germinate properly in dry soils. They may take longer to germinate.

On the other hand, high humidity can also be detrimental to seeds. It causes the soil to become too wet. This encouragesthe growth of mold and other fungal infections that may affect the seeds and the newly germinated seedlings.  Humidity between 70% and 80% is ideal.

If the humidity is too high or low, there are various options you can employ to ensure the seed starting mix has constant optimal humidity. Be sure not to overwater the planting mix when there is too much moisture in the air.

Covering the seed starting mix trays with a humidity dome trap can help to maintain an optimal humid environment that promotes proper seed germination. It also helps the seeds to sprout faster, increasing germination rate and percentage. 

Air circulation

Air circulation is also an important factor to consider when germinating tomato seeds. Poor air circulation means that the seeds will not receive sufficient oxygen. The seeds may also fail to germinate completely. 

Too wet soil prevents free air circulation. However, there are various things you can do to improve air circulation in the soil or the seed starting mix. 

For instance, a clear humidity dome plastic can help to keep the soil aerated as well as maintain the moisture.  Keeping the soil loose can also help to improve air circulation. 

Seeds viability

The viability of the seeds also determines the time, percentage, and rate of germination. The viability of tomato seeds is determined by the shelf life and storage. Tomato seeds have a longer shelf life than other vegetable seeds, like onions. 

When stored properly in a dry and cool place, they can stay viable for 4 to 5 years. Humidity is the main factor that shortens the shelf life of tomato seeds. When purchasing the seeds, be sure to check the expiry dates. The seeds should also be stored in a tightly sealed package. 

How to Germinate Tomato Seeds Faster

Do you want to germinate tomato seeds faster? There are various ways you can use to ensure the seeds germinate fast:

1. Use clean trays or containers

When preparing to germinate your tomato seeds, be sure to use clean trays or containers. Many gardeners consider recycling the egg carton trays and yogurt containers, among others. Wash them thoroughly using warm soapy water and dry them properly before using. 

Dirty containers may harbor pests and diseases that can attack the seeds or the newly germinated seedlings. Ensure the containers have drainage holes before filling them with soil or starting mix.  

2. Use certified seeds

Certified and viable tomato seeds tend to germinate fast.  Use seeds that are certified and approved by a bureau of standards. Tomato seeds have a shelf life of 4 to 5 years. Be sure to check the manufacture and expiry dates before purchasing.

3. Germinate the seeds at the right time

For the seeds to sprout faster, you have to sow them at the right time. Germinate the seeds when there is optimum temperature and humidity. The seeds may not germinate fast when temperatures and humidity are extremely high.

4. Use high-quality seed starting mix

Tomato seeds require a high-quality starting mix to germinate fast. The starting mix should be able to have good drainage, air circulation, moisture, and enough nutrients to feed the newly germinated seedling. It should also be free from pests and diseases.

5. Sow the seeds at a correct depth

Sowing the seeds at a correct depth ensures there is a fast and even germination rate. Tomato seeds are quite tiny, and planting them deeper into the soil can decrease the germination rate, and it may take longer for some of the seeds to be seen on the surface.

6. Keep the starting mix moist

Water is an important factor that affects the germination of seeds. The seed starting mix is supposed to be kept moist for the seeds to germinate fast. You may not see the seedlings if the soil is too wet. The seeds may be affected by mold and other pathogens before sprouting.

7. Improve air circulation

Without air, the seeds cannot germinate. Air is a primary factor that affects the process of germination. For the seeds to germinate fast, the soil must have enough oxygen. The starting mix or soil must be loose enough to allow free air circulation. 

8. Provide optimal temperature

The temperature of the starting mix will affect the time and rate of germination. Minimum temperature for seed germination is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the maximum is 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Fertilize the soil

Most seed starting mix contains low-releasing fertilizer to feed the seedling for several weeks. However, you can supplement it with other organic fertilizers to ensure the seedlings remain healthy. The fertilizer can be mixed with water before watering.

Do Tomato seeds Need Light to Germinate?

No, tomato seeds do not require light to germinate. They can germinate best in absolute darkness. However, the light becomes very vital after germination. The sprout cannot survive in total darkness, they require light energy in the process of photosynthesis. 

When trying to figure out the effects of lights on a tomato plant, there are three aspects to consider: Light intensity, duration, and quality. Light intensity determines the manufacture of plant food, the length of the stem, the color of the leaves, and flowering. 

Tomatoes grown indoors will tend to have pale green leaves. When a similar plant is grown outdoors, it will have large dark green leaves, better branches, and be shorter in height. 

Tomato plants require high light exposure. They need at least 6 hours of light per day to remain healthy and produce high yields. When planted indoors, the light intensity is determined by the nearness of the plant to the light source.  Plant them near a large window or use artificial grow lights.

Final thoughts

Tomato seeds require air, warmth, and water to germinate. However, to fasten the germination process, factors like temperature, soil moistur,e and humidity have to be maintained at optimum levels. When you put all the factors into consideration, the seeds should be able to sprout faster with a high germination rate.