Germinating Lettuce Seeds

I'm trying to start a garden this year and I figured I can get a head start with practicing doing a bit of growing indoors during the winter.

According to what I read, Lettuce does well in cool temperature and considering my house is anywhere between 15-19 degrees Celsius, it's supposed to be perfect temperature for growing lettuce.

I've tried 3 different methods of germinating seeds so far.

1. Direct to soil - complete fail. 0/7 seeds germinated.

2. Paper towel method - 2/4 after 1 week. 

3. Just water - 3/7 in 3 days, 5/7 in 4 days, 7/7 in 5 days.

Seems like so far I have the best success rate with just water method.

It is the fastest and easiest way to germinate seeds and when I compare the roots in the paper towel method and just water, the water one generates bigger taps in the 3 days then the paper towel does in 1 week. 

For the water method, I used a small opaque container to block out all light. Added enough water so that the seeds are just floating around. 

I kept my container in the kitchen where the temperature is more consistent and warmer so it doesn't drop below 15 degrees Celsius. 

Change the water ever day.

You'll start seeing the seeds split after 1 day. Then day 2 little roots will start emerging. Then day 3 it'll curl :)

I've heard tap roots are sensitive during transplant so my fingers are cross I didn't hurt them. We'll see how many grows after another 2 weeks :)

I feel like doing the Totoro dance to make them grow

Categories: Gardening