Germinating seeds in paper towel used to be a popular way to test seeds for viability. But more and more people are using this method to start all their seeds every time. And why not? It’s faster and easier, and you need very little equipment.
Learning how to germinate seeds differs from plant to plant, but the paper towel method has a high success rate for a wide variety of seed types. Use it to start seeds indoors for vegetable and flower sowing, rather than in plastic trays filled with potting mix. When the seeds begin to sprout in the paper towels, you can pot them on individually.
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Paper Towel Method Explained
Rather than planting seeds into soil, the paper towel method involves germinating seeds between two moist paper towels and covering them with plastic wrap or a dome to create a greenhouse effect. It is a simplified way to germinate seeds quickly before moving them to pots. There are several other benefits, too:
- It gives you a chance to test seed viability at the same time.
- Germinating seeds in paper towels vs soil allows you to quickly check the seeds for root development. When seeds are started in soil, you only see the growth above the soil line.
- There is less mess, less expense, and less time spent waiting for germination.
- If the paper towels begin to dry out, you can spray them easily with a mister.
- It is a fun project for kids to do because they can watch the root formation. In that case, put the seeds on the outside of the paper towels, rather than the inside, so the growth is visible.
How to Germinate Seeds in a Paper Towel
For seeds to germinate, they generally need warmth, moisture, and either light or darkness. This can be easily accomplished by sprouting seeds in paper towels.
Here are the key steps to try this fast and effective seed-starting method:
1. Prepare Growing Container
You will need either a plastic container or a gallon-size plastic bag with a ziploc top. Lay down a moist paper towel inside the plastic container. For a small number of seeds, you can use one moist paper towel folded in half inside a sandwich bag.
2. Add Seeds
Line the towel with the desired number of seeds. Lay another moist paper towel on top of the seeds. Either loosely close the bag or cover your container with plastic wrap, a plastic lid, or a humidity dome – such as Park's Original 60 Cell Bio Dome, available in the Gardening Know How Shop. Label the bags or trays with the seed names.
3. Check Growing Conditions
Look at the seed packet information to determine whether the seeds need light to germinate. If so, place them near a south window in a warm room, 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). If the seeds require darkness to germinate, place the seeds in a drawer or cupboard. For more warmth, you can place the bag or tray on a heat mat covered with a thin towel.
4. Monitor Seeds
Check the seeds every couple of days for germination. If the paper towels begin to dry out, spray them with a water mister. To prevent mold, open the bag every two days for a few minutes to allow air to circulate.
How long to germinate seeds in a paper towel depends on the seed variety. Check the length of time designated on the seed packet for the “days to germination.” Seeds typically germinate faster between paper towels than in seed starting mix, so check them every other day.
5. Transplant Seeds
To decide when to transplant seeds from paper towel, keep an eye out for signs of growth. As soon as growth is visible, you can carefully transfer them to individual pots of moist soil to grow. A toothpick or tweezers may help move the seedlings to the pots. Vego's Jumbo Seedling Trays, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, are perfect for potting on your germinated seeds.
Plant seedlings so the entire root is below the soil. You can use a pencil to make a hole in the growing mix.
If you wait too long before transplanting seedlings, the roots will grow into the paper towel. If this happens, cut out the towel around the root and plant it with the seedling. To help prevent this, you can use a coffee filter instead of a paper towel.
The pots can be placed near a sunny window or under grow lights for 16 hours a day till they are ready to move outdoors.
Mold on Germinating Seeds in Paper Towel
Prevent mold on seeds by opening the bag every two days and letting it air out. Also, do not seal the bag tightly. If you see mold beginning to grow on a seed, gently scrape it off with a toothpick or discard the seed to prevent spreading the mold.
Can You Germinate Any Seeds in Paper Towel?
You would not germinate seeds in paper towels that need to be seeded into the ground – continue to direct sow seeds such as root vegetables, including carrots, radishes, beets, and parsnips.
Some seeds to try include tender vegetables, fruits, and flowers – anything you would grow in a seed tray each year.
More Seed Starting Inspiration
- Learn when to start seeds indoors for more crops and a glorious profusion of flowers all summer long.
- Discover how to grow a windowsill full of veggies this winter, according to a leading gardening expert.
- Join our seed-starting workshop to unlock your garden’s full potential by learning the ins and outs of starting all of your favorite plants from seed.
- Browse high-quality seedling trays and lids in the Gardening Know How Shop – and give your seeds the best possible start in life.
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