10 reasons why cucumber seeds don't sprout

Cultivating vegetables on their backyard, many gardeners are faced with the fact that cucumber seeds sprout extremely slowly. And then they do not sprout at all. In this article, we will tell you why cucumbers do not sprout. We will also consider ways to solve this problem.

When cucumber seeds germinate

Vegetation of cucumbers is fast enough. Under favorable environmental conditions, the first fruits appear 4-5 weeks after sowing. The rate at which seeds emerge is influenced by factors such as soil temperature and moisture.

If the temperature is high enough, sprouts appear within a week after sowing the seeds in the ground. Lack of heat increases germination time to 2 weeks. Below we will look at the main reasons that slow down the development of cucumber sprouts.

Why cucumbers don't sprout

As mentioned above, the temperature factor is one of the most important in the cultivation of cucumbers. Sowing seeds can only be started after the night frosts have ended. In the middle lane, this time falls approximately in the second half of May. The fact is that at soil temperatures below 8 degrees, the seeds die. And soil temperatures below 12 degrees lead to the formation of mold on the seeds. And does not allow them to germinate.

At higher temperatures, the seeds will grow. But in order for this to happen quickly enough, it is necessary for the earth to warm up to 24-28 degrees. Therefore, the first thing you should pay attention to is the right time for this.

Having decided over time, you should also understand what the soil in which it is supposed to grow cucumbers is. Dense, heavy soils are harmful to seeds. Therefore, it is preferable to choose areas with light, loose soils for planting. If this is not possible, you can resort to the following method. Seeds are sown in shallow pits (up to 2 cm). And from above they are covered with peat. Or a small amount of loosened earth. This will allow the seeds to breathe and develop normally.

The degree of soil moisture is also an important factor influencing the germination of cucumber seeds. Dry soil will prevent seeds from sprouting. Or it will significantly slow down this process. Water the garden bed thoroughly before planting. Moreover, experienced gardeners recommend using warm water.

We remember how important ground temperature is. Water that is too cold will lower it and destroy the seeds. If, nevertheless, watering was carried out with water with a temperature below 10 degrees, it is better to wait a while. Until the soil heats up again before sowing the seeds.

Excess moisture in the soil is no less dangerous for cucumber seeds than drought. Waterlogging of the soil or the presence of clay in it leads to the appearance of mold on the seeds.

How to prepare seeds for sowing

Often, the slow growth of crops is the result of improper implementation of recommendations for preparing for planting seeds in the ground. Everyone knows about the benefits of pre-soaking seeds in warm water. Or in various kinds of solutions. Because they help to soften the seed coat.

However, not all solutions are suitable for this. And some can even damage the seeds. For example, a solution of potassium permanganate. Inexperienced gardeners believe that he should disinfect the seeds. And if the permissible concentration is exceeded, it will destroy them. Or it will dry out, which will affect germination. Another common mistake. Namely: drying the seeds after soaking.It should be remembered that seeds sown immediately after soaking will germinate best.

Incorrect storage of seeds also prevents their subsequent germination. Cucumber seeds should be stored in a cool place with low humidity. If all conditions are met, the shelf life of seeds (while maintaining all vegetative properties) can be very long - up to 10 years. However, sometimes too long shelf life leads to seed deterioration. Therefore, it is optimal to use seeds for sowing that have been stored for no more than 2-3 years.

Planting seeds too deep is also undesirable. Because in this case, the access to them of air will cease. Which is fraught with the development of mold. Moisture also will not be able to penetrate in sufficient quantity to great depths. Therefore, you should adhere to a depth of 1.5-2 cm.

Why cucumbers do not sprout: we properly care for the plant

Another common method of caring for cucumber plantings, which is often misused, is the use of plastic wrap as a cover. If the cucumber beds are hermetically sealed, you can deprive the seeds of fresh air. Thus, they will quickly begin to cheer and may die.

Air circulation is extremely important for seed development. Therefore, several holes must be made in the film to give air access to the beds. Instead of plastic wrap, you can use the most common newspaper. Because its porous structure allows air to pass through well. And also it does not let in direct sunlight. The downside of this method is the difficulty of securing in the garden.

Ignorance of the characteristics of a particular variety of cucumbers can also cause an unpleasant surprise for the gardener. Seeds of some varieties germinate more slowly than others. Because they require a special temperature regime and care. Sowing such seeds according to a generalized scheme leads to the fact that capricious seeds germinate extremely slowly.

Finally, soil problems that are completely invisible to the eye can be the cause of slow growth. The area chosen for planting cucumbers may be affected by a pathogenic fungus that kills the seeds. Gardeners who know about this dig up the soil in advance. They also carry out disinfection. That's when the already mentioned potassium permanganate solution comes in handy. Or other similar solutions.

Thus, we examined the main factors that affect the process of seed development in the soil. Most of the reasons why cucumbers do not sprout can be resolved with the right timing. As well as a site for planting, a competent irrigation regime. And careful seed treatment before sowing. But even such factors independent of the gardener as the composition of the soil and the presence of pathogenic fungi in it can also be adjusted.