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Why Your Seeds Didn't Sprout (Decision Tree)

If your seeds haven't sprouted after 10 days, the cause is almost always one of 7 things. Use this decision tree to identify which one.

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Why Your Seeds Didn’t Sprout (Decision Tree)

If your seeds haven’t sprouted after 10 days, the cause is almost always one of 7 things. Use this decision tree to identify which one.

Most seeds sprout in 5–14 days. If yours haven’t, something specific went wrong.

The 2-Minute Diagnosis

  1. Did the soil stay consistently moist? → No: Dried out.
  2. Was the soil soggy? → Yes: Too wet.
  3. How deep? → Deeper than 2x diameter: Too deep.
  4. Temperature? → Below 65°F or above 85°F: Dormant.
  5. Old seeds? → Over 2 years: Dead.
  6. Sprouted then died? → Damping off.
  7. Physical damage? → Crushed, washed away.

What to Do

  1. Diagnose using the tree.
  2. Fix the cause.
  3. Replant.
  4. If 2+ seeds from a ZOMAE kit failed, reply to your order email with a photo.

Common Questions

How long should I wait? 10-14 days for most. 21 for parsley, peppers.

Can I save unsprouted seeds? No. If they didn’t sprout, they’re dead.

Is it too late to replant? No. Replant anytime conditions are right.

Should I test old seeds? Yes. Paper towel method.

What if only some sprouted? Normal. 90% germination means 1 in 10 fails.

Can I get a replacement? If it’s a ZOMAE kit and 2+ seeds failed, yes.

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