Did you know if you sow seeds at certain soil temperatures you will get the best germination rates? Every plant species has its own sweet spot, and the more we accommodate this, the better the results. If you have struggled with seed starting, this may be the tip you need to turn that growing thumb green.
For more beginner tips, also see Seed Starting 101 and clever ways gardeners use warmth to speed up seed germination.
What Seeds Need to Sprout
First, what is a seed?
Seeds contain embryonic tissue and food stores that nourish early growth, enclosed in a protective coat. That coat prevents germination (growth) until conditions change.
Seed Storage
To store seeds and prevent germination, it is recommended to keep them in a cool, dry, dark place with consistent temperatures between 32-41F (0-5C) and not more than 50% humidity levels. Long-term storage requires lower temperatures and humidity levels as they do at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway.
Seed Germination
To awaken seeds from dormancy and trigger germination, conditions must change. When we sow a seed, we introduce water (moisture), which softens the protective coat, and warmer temperatures which provoke growth. Air and light play a role as well.
When we look at temperatures for seed germination, it is the temperature of the soil or growing medium in direct contact with the seed or roots that is so important. Research shows that every single plant species has its own preferences. Getting the soil temperature right—or within optimum range—can greatly affect germination rates.
Example
- Ten pepper seeds started at 60°F (15°C) may yield one or two plants, and take weeks to sprout.
- The same number of seeds started at 85°F (29°C) may sprout within days and yield 8-10 happy plants.
- But, beyond that temperature, the seeds may not survive.
This is what we refer to as a seed liking ‘warm feet’. Keep in mind that this is just one example and the sweet spot is different for each plant species (and can vary by subspecies as well).
Related: The Global Seed Vault in Norway | Learn how it protects seed species from around the world
Optimum Soil Temperatures
If you made a chart of every seed you sow (which I did before writing this) and noted their optimum soil temperatures, you’ll see that the range is vast, making it would be nearly impossible to accommodate every one of them individually. You’d have to check soil temperatures obsessively and be on high alert with seeds at the ready.
Two Main Seed Sowing Groups
To keep it realistic, and still get decent germination rates, we divide our seeds into two main groups:
WARM CROPS and COOL CROPS
The warm crops like basil, eggplant, pole beans, and tomatoes germinate best with warmer soil temperatures.
The plants in the cool / cold group prefer the lower temperatures of spring and autumn, and includes beets, carrots, salad greens, and turnips (see below).
You will also notice that some crops known to grow nicely in cool conditions actually respond best to extra warmth for seed germination, yet mature best in cooler temperatures. Clearly, nature is not concerned with convenient plant rules.
Also, how long a plant takes to mature is also a key factor for seed sowing, since you want that slow-growing watermelon ripe before autumn frosts set in, so do read your seed packets to get the timing right.
For all seeds, if soil temperatures are too cold, they will not sprout. If temperatures are too warm, they either will not germinate, or, they will grow too rapidly, and fail to mature properly or die off. Ever see a crop bolt? That’s the result of too much heat.
While researching this article, I noticed some discrepancies but the ranges listed will give you a good idea of desirable soil temperatures.
To keep it simple, group your seeds into warm and cool groups and sow when soil temperatures are within the favorable ranges.
How to Measure Soil Temperature
BEST TIP: In spring, pay attention to night-time low temperatures, not day-time highs. When the lows are consistently above 50°F or 10°C, the soil becomes warm enough for some seed sowing.
- For a good reading, place the thermometer in the soil approximately 3″ deep (or however deep the tip allows) and allow a minute for a definite reading.
- Measure both in the morning and afternoon, a few days in a row.
- The process is the same for indoor seed starting: take enough readings that you are confident the soil is consistently within the desired temperature range.
- Note all the readings and take the average. When the average is in range, it’s sowing time—assuming it’s the right time of year.
Related: How to Know When Watermelon is Ripe for Picking
Thermometers
You can use a kitchen meat thermometer to measure soil temperature or get an official soil thermometer, which is really the same thing. I have a digital thermometer with a metal probe and it works nicely.
Tip for Warming Soil in Spring
For outdoor sowing, one practical way to increase soil temperature is to add a few inches of compost to the soil. This will help keep warmth in and expedite the temperature gain.
Indoors, you can use a seedling heat mat to warm the soil for better and faster seed germination rates if your seed sowing area is unusually chilly (below 60°F | 15°C).
I also have a list here of clever ways gardeners use existing warmth within their homes to help speed up germination.
Optimum Soil Temperatures for Seed Sowing
As mentioned, I could not always find a consensus for optimum temperatures so I’ve listed ranges that should be accurate within a few degrees.
Always read your seed packets for specific sowing tips.Even within one species there are all sorts of exceptions.
If you would like to print out these lists or keep a copy on your device, click here to download it (it’s free).
| Plants | Best Soil Temperature for Sowing Seeds | Plants per Square Foot | Days to Maturity |
| Asparagus | 75°F (24°C) | 1 | Harvest annually |
| Arugula | 40-53°F (4-12°C) | Open spaces | 30-50 days |
| Basil | 70°F (21°C) | 4 | 30-45 days |
| Beans, Broad | 50-70°F (10-21°C) | 8 | 75-100 days |
| Beans, Bush + Pole | 70-90°F (21-32°C) | 8 | 50-100 days |
| Beans, Runner | 70-90°F (21-32°C) | 8 | 75 days |
| Beans, Soya | 70-90°F (21-32°C) | 9 | 78-85 days |
| Beets | 50-80°F (10-26°C) | 9-16 | 50-70 days |
| Broccoli | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 48-100 |
| Broccoli, sprouting | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 75-120 days |
| Brussels Sprouts | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 100-120 days |
| Cabbage | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 45-120 days |
| Carrots | 45-85°F (7-30°C) | 16 | 55-130 days |
| Cauliflower | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 60-270 days |
| Celery | 60-75°F (15-24°C) | 4 | 45-110 days |
| Celeriac | 60-75°F (15-24°C) | 4 | 110 days |
| Chickpeas | 50°F (10°C) | 4 | 90-100 days |
| Chicory | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | 1 | 70-90 days |
| Chives | 70-75°F (21-25°C) | 16 | ongoing |
| Cilantro | 55-68°F (13-20°C) | 1 | 45 days |
| Claytonia | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | Open spaces | 55 days |
| Collards | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 1 | 50-80 days |
| Corn | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | 4 | 70-110 days |
| Corn Salad | 45-65°F (5-18°C) | Open spaces | 30-50 days |
| Cress | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | Open spaces | 10-50 days |
| Cucamelon | 60-85°F (15-30°C) | 2 | 67 days |
| Cucumbers | 60-85°F (15-30°C) | 2 | 45-70 days |
| Eggplant | 75-90°F (24-32°C) | 1 | 58-90 days |
| Endive Radicchio | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | 4-8 | 85 days |
| Garlic | Plant in fall | 9 | ongoing |
| Kale | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 2 | 40-80 days |
| Kohlrabi | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 9 | 55-70 days |
| Leeks | 50-75°F (10-25°C) | 9 | 65-135 days |
| Lettuce | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | 4 | 35-80 days |
| Mesclun Mix | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | Open spaces | 30 days |
| Mustard | 70°F (21°C) | 12 | 35-80 days |
| Okra | 75-90°F (24-32°C) | 1 | 56 days |
| Onions & Scallions | 70-75°F (21-25°C) | 9-16 | 50-180 days |
| Pac Choi | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | Open spaces | 30-60 days |
| Parsley | 85°F (29°C) | 6-8 | 70-90 days |
| Parsnips | 50-75°F (10-25°C) | 4 | 110-150 days |
| Peas | 50-70°F (10-20°C) | 8 | 55-85 days |
| Peppers | 64-75°F (18-24°C) | 1 | 60-120 days |
| Potato | 65-80°F (15-27°C) | 4 | 110 days |
| Pumpkin | 90°F (32°C) | 1 vertically | 80-130 days |
| Purslane | 50-72°F (10-22°C) | Open spaces | 60 days |
| Quinoa | 65-75°F (18-24°C) | Check seed packet | 100 days |
| Radish | 65-75°F (18-24°C) | 16 | 24-120 days |
| Rhubarb | 60-75°F (16-25°C) | 1 | 12-18 months |
| Rutabaga | 65-70°F (18-21°C) | 4 | 90-100 days |
| Spinach | 45-70°F (5-20°C) | 9 | 30-50 days |
| Squash | 68-95°F (25-35°C) | 1-2 vertically | 70-115 days |
| Swiss Chard | 50-85°F (10-30°C) | 4 | 50-65 days |
| Tomatoes | 68-95°F (25-35°C) | 1 | 50-93 days |
| Turnips | 65-70°F (18-21°C) | 4 | 35-60 days |
| Watermelon | 75-95°F (24-35°C) | 1 vertically | 70-120 days |
| Zucchini | 68-95°F (25-35°C) | 1-2 vertically | 50-100 days |
Warm Crops
To simplify seed sowing, you can organize your crops into warm and cool crops. This is a realistic way to get your crops germinating as fast as possible while allowing enough time for the plants to mature during the growing season.
Mainly Tender Summer Crops
Approximate Seed Sowing Soil Temperature Range: 68-79°F | 20 -26°C
| Basil Bean Cabbage* Cilantro/ coriander Corn Cucumber Dill Eggplant Melons Mustard Nasturtium | Okra Onion Peppers Pole bean Pumpkin Sage Squash – Summer + Winter Sweet potato Tomato Watermelon Zucchini |
Cool & Cold Crops
Spring and Autumn Crops
These crops do best during spring and fall when outdoor temperatures are cooler although some of them like a warmer start for the seeds (see the chart). You can grow them in summer—and we do—but there’s always the risk of bolting (skipping right to the seed production stage) in excessive heat.
Many of these crops can be over-wintered in cold frames.
Approximate Seed Sowing Soil Temperature Range: 50-68°F | 10-20°C
| Asparagus Beet Broad bean Broccoli Broccoli raab Brussels sprouts Cabbage* Carrot Cauliflower Celery Celeriac Chervil Chives Claytonia Collards Endive Garlic Kale Kohlrabi Leafy greens Leek Lettuce | Mache Mibuna Mizuna Mustard Onion Pak choi Parsley Parsnip Pea Potato Radish* Rosemary Rutabaga Sage Salad greens Scallion Spinach Swiss Chard Tatsoi Thyme Turnip* |
*Cabbage, radish, and turnip are considered cool crops but do like extra warmth for seed germination.
Free Printable
If you would like download the soil temperature chart, click on Download Now (below).
New to downloading files? There are step-by-step instructions here.
If you are eager to sow seeds in spring or fall, check the cool crop list for candidates, and grab your thermometer. Start checking your soil temperature and sow when conditions are right.
Warm crops can often be slow-growers and do best with indoor seed starting to allow enough time for the plant to mature and fruit.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
