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Sweetcorn germination

LukeBLukeB Posts: 46
in Fruit & veg

Some advice please all, potted up 24 sweetcorn a week or so ago but only 10 have came up (now approx 1 1/2 inches tall) what are germination rates like for sweetcorn?

Little disappointed image

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Posts

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    Sweetcorn usually needs decent warmth to germinate. They also usually take more than a week.

  • LukeBLukeB Posts: 46

    That's what is odd - 10 of them are thriving, rest nowt (should of added this is in a propagator) so temp 'should' be same for all.

    Just a frustration more than anything as (touch wood) I have been really successful so far this year with germination.

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Have a litte root for the seeds, you might find grubs, i had lots eaten last year, the only way to get round it is to keep them covered til they germinate, and dont leave your compost out where the flies can get at it image



    On the other hand, wonky germination just happens sometimes, its nothing you have or havent done image
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    There are regulations regarding the germination rates of vegetable seeds. I germinate them on damp kitchen paper at room temperature in a closed container. 100% from some companies. Dismal results from some other companies - usually the more expensive seeds!



    10 out of 24 is not good.
  • LeifUKLeifUK Posts: 573

    There may be regulations but I've had near total failures before. Anyway, fingers crossed for the OP, and my sweetcorn too! 

  • GardenGrower11GardenGrower11 Posts: 312

    Luke, I don't think your experience is unusual. With ideal conditions, heat, maybe soaking first, you might get better germination rates, but you haven't done badly.

    Sweetcorn is also one that declines quickly if the seed isn't fresh, so last years seed packet would have much lower germination rates.

     

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,617

    I sow swift F1hybrid in individual pots in the greenhouse. I usually get about 34out of 35 seeds to germinate. I sow end of April to plant out first week in June.

  • LukeBLukeB Posts: 46

     

    Thanks for the replies all. No11 just popped up so going to leave for a few days. Then failing that, will plant a few more this time soaking them (overnight ??)

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    No you don't need to soak them. It may cause them to rot. Just read my post up-thread.
  • GardenGrower11GardenGrower11 Posts: 312

    They won't rot from soaking overnight, but don't leave them any longer than that. I've seen 12 hours max recommended elsewhere.

    They're more likely to rot in the compost if they don't get enough warmth or germinate fast enough. Some soaking in lukewarm water, or Welshonion's method is basically achieving the same thing, helping the dry seed to absorb water to speed up germination.

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