Why Only Some Seeds Sprouted (And Whether It’s Normal)
If 1–2 out of 10 seeds didn’t sprout, that’s normal. If more than half failed, something specific went wrong.
Normal vs Not Normal
| Sprouted | Verdict | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 of 10 | Excellent | Nothing |
| 7-8 of 10 | Normal | Nothing |
| 5-6 of 10 | Borderline | Check conditions |
| 3-4 of 10 | Problem | Diagnose |
| 0-2 of 10 | Serious problem | Diagnose + reship |
If It’s Borderline (5-6 of 10)
Check these in order:
- Soil moisture: Was it consistent?
- Temperature: Did it fluctuate?
- Depth: Were they all planted at the same depth?
- Seed age: How old are the seeds?
If It’s a Problem (3-4 of 10)
Read: Seeds Didn’t Sprout Decision Tree.
If It’s Serious (0-2 of 10)
Two possibilities:
- Bad seed batch → Reply to your order email with a photo. We reship.
- Environmental failure → Diagnose with the decision tree.
Common Questions
Is it normal for 2 seeds not to sprout? Yes. 90% germination means 1 in 10 fails.
Should I replant the empty spots? Yes. Replant in the gaps.
Why did the seeds closest to the edge fail? Edge soil dries faster.
Do seeds from the same packet vary? Yes. Individual seeds have different vigor.
Can I get a refund for 3 failed seeds? Our guarantee covers when a variety fails significantly (less than 50%).