Cornstarch On Seeds

Question

I read that if you put cornstarch on tomato and/or bean seeds they will germinated faster. Is this for real? I have had troble germinating yellow bean seeds this year, they are in a large pot, any hints? Thank you

Answer 1

Make sure they are planted at the proper depth. The seed package will tell whether to plant 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch deep, etc., or just to scatter on top of the soil. This article below gives some good tips on seed germination. It says one way to speed up the process is to sprout the seeds before planting. It does offer a way to make a gel with cornstarch and water to keep seedlings moist.

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/propagation/plant-propagation/

These articles may be of interest:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/planting-old-seeds.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-starting-mistakes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/soaking-seeds.htm