Growing seeds hydroponically is one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of growing plants. Starting seeds indoors without soil is simple, but you need to understand what the seeds require, and that changes from seed to seed.
Fundamentally you need a growth medium, water, light, the right temperature and patience.
Growth medium
For starting seeds, you want a growth medium that will:
Hold the seeds above the water while keeping them damp.
Be soft enough for seedling roots to bed down and give the plant structure.
Be stable enough to support the plant once it sprouts.
Good options include coconut coir, coconut husk mats and vermiculite, but rockwool is the king of germination by far. Browse our replant supplies, and for more on growth mediums see growing mediums compared.
Water and moisture
Seeds need water to germinate, but too much and they may rot before they sprout. Keep seeds moist, not drowned. Misting freshly planted seeds is a good way to start them off. As you do it more you will be able to tell by look or touch whether your seeds are wet enough.
Light
Seeds need light just like any plant, so keep them well lit without scorching them. Dappled sunlight or an LED grow light works well. With an LED light, we suggest a 12 hours on and 12 hours off cycle to give seeds the best chance of sprouting. For more, read how much light do plants need.
Temperature
Seeds like warm temperatures of around 23 degrees Celsius, although tropical plants such as tomatoes or chillies may like it warmer. A stable climate helps, and indoor temperatures are generally more stable than outdoor ones. You can also use a greenhouse-style germination kit such as our greenhouse seedling tray for the best results.
Patience
This is the most important part of any project. Seeds can take up to two weeks to germinate, and some may never germinate. It is a learning experience, because everyone's water, seeds and light differ. There is always some trial and error, so if one set of seeds does not germinate, try again.
If you are having trouble or want advice, get in touch. Ready to start? Shop seeds.
