Vegetable Seed Germination and Soil Temperatures

Terry Nennich, Extension Educator, Clearwater County

Vegetables vary greatly in their response to soil temperatures when germinating. Planting into soils cooler than recommended temperatures may cause drastic stand reductions. The longer seeds are in the soil before germination or the slower the germination, the greater the chances are for soil disease and insects to attack the seeds. Some seed such as celery have a very narrow temperature germination range and will not germinate above 75º. Most cucurbits (pumpkins, squash, melon) should not be planted below 65º soil temperatures or permanent damage to plants may occur. See Table 1 for the number of days it takes for different vegetable seeds to germinate at different soil temperatures. Germination temperatures are derived form Knott’s Vegetable Grower’s Handbook.

Co-Editors:Bill Hutchison, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, hutch002@tc.umn.edu
Jeanne Ciborowski, IPM Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us
Cindy Tong, Department of Horticulture, University of Minnesota, ctong@extension.umn.edu
Production Editor: Suzanne Wold, Research Specialist, University of Minnesota, woldx018@tc.umn.edu

Disclaimer
Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer

Last Revised April 6, 2000.
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