Will Moldy Seeds Grow?

on January 10, 2023

Moldy seeds should normally not be planted since they might not germinate or might result in unhealthful plants. Moldy seeds may contain fungi or bacteria that might hinder germination or infect the seedling as it grows.

Moldy seeds may also no longer be viable, meaning they cannot develop into a plant. Furthermore, some mold species can emit poisons that prevent seed germination. The seeds may not be able to resist the poisons and develop into healthy plants if they are significantly mold-contaminated.

It is advisable to throw away any seeds that are clearly moldy and replace them with new, mold-free seeds before planting. This will offer your plants the highest chance of success, but if you decide to utilize the seeds, you can also rather easily verify their viability before using them.

How Do You Test The Viability Of A Seed?

You can check a seed’s viability using a variety of techniques:

When performing the “float test,” seeds are submerged in a basin or jar of water. Non-viable seeds will float, while viable seeds will sink to the bottom.
In the “paper towel test,” seeds are placed on a damp paper towel, which is then rolled up. After a few days, check on the towel and keep it in a warm, dark location. Non-viable seeds do not produce roots, but viable seeds do.

In the “germination test,” seeds are planted in soil or a seed-starting mixture and the ideal circumstances for germination are created (such as moisture, warmth, and light). Count the number of seeds that have germination after a week or two. The viability of the seed batch can be calculated using the proportion of seeds that germinate.
A sample of your seeds will be examined to evaluate their germination rate by some seed firms as part of their viability testing service.

There are several methods you can use to test the viability of a seed:

The “float test” involves filling a bowl or jar with water and placing the seeds in the water. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while non-viable seeds will float.
The “paper towel test” involves dampening a paper towel, placing the seeds on the towel, and rolling it up. Place the towel in a warm, dark place and check on it after a few days. Viable seeds will sprout roots, while non-viable seeds will not.
The “germination test” involves planting seeds in soil or a seed-starting mix and providing the necessary conditions for germination (such as moisture, warmth, and light). After a week or two, count the number of seeds that have germinated. The percentage of seeds that germinate can be used to estimate the viability of the seed batch.

Some seed companies offer viability testing services, where they will test a sample of your seeds to determine their germination rate.

You can tell which seeds are worth sowing and which are unlikely to thrive by testing the viability of the seeds. Seeds that are old or have been incorrectly stored should be tested for viability since they may have lost some vitality.

How Long Do Seeds Last?

The type of seed, how the seed is stored, and the environment in which it is stored are some of the variables that affect how long seeds remain viable (able to germinate). Generally speaking, seeds are viable for the following amounts of time:

Most annual flowers and vegetables have a viability of 1-2 years.
Perennial flowers and vegetables have a viability of 2-5 years.
Trees and shrubs have a viability of 2-5 years or longer.

These are merely suggestions, and certain seeds might last for longer or shorter lengths of time. Seeds should be kept in an airtight container in a cold, dry location to prolong their vitality. Keep the seeds away from moisture and extremely hot or cold conditions since these can reduce their viability. One of the techniques I mentioned in my previous response can be used to test the viability of your seeds to check if they are still capable of germination.

Is It A Problem If Mold Is Observed On The Surface Of The Soil After Seeds Are Planted?

If mold is found on the soil’s surface after seeds have been sown, it is typically not a positive sign. Mold is a sort of fungus that can develop on organic materials such as soil and is a sign that the planting mix or soil is excessively damp or humid. If the soil is allowed to remain overly damp, mold and other fungus may start to grow and compete with the seeds for moisture and nutrients, thereby preventing the seeds from growing.

Following the sowing of seeds, you can take the following actions to solve the problem if you find mold forming on the soil’s surface:

The seeds’ water intake should be decreased. Just enough water should be applied to the seeds to keep the soil moist but not drenched or waterlogged.
By opening windows, using a fan, or putting the seedlings under a grow light with an integrated fan, you can improve the airflow surrounding the seeds. This may aid in lowering humidity and preventing the growth of mold.
If there is mold on the soil’s surface but it hasn’t yet gotten to the seeds, you can try gently brushing the soil’s surface to get rid of the moldy layer. To avoid disturbing the seeds or seedlings, take care.

It could be necessary to throw away the diseased plants and start over with new seeds and soil if the mold has gotten to the seedlings or seeds, in which case. Make sure to thoroughly sterilize your soil or seed-starting mix before planting to minimize future mold problems, and be careful not to overwater your seeds.

How to Prevent My Seeds That Are Being Stored From Becoming Moldy

You can take the following actions to stop mold from growing on your stored seeds:

When gathering seeds, it’s critical to give them time to completely dry out before storing them.

Seeds should be kept in sealed containers. By doing so, the moisture will be kept out and the seeds won’t rot.
Keep your seeds in a dry, cool environment. Avoid keeping your seeds in a wet or humid environment because this can promote the formation of mold.
Regularly check your seeds for mold symptoms, and throw away any that are obvious.

Utilize desiccants, such as silica gel packets, to absorb extra moisture and aid in maintaining the dryness of your seeds.
Think about putting your seeds in the freezer or refrigerator. These settings, which are typically quite dry, can aid in extending the vitality of your seeds. Before planting, make careful to let the seeds thaw to room temperature.

You can help keep your stored seeds fresh and mold-free by following these instructions.