Sweetcorn germination

[The Allotment Shed]

Having a nightmare getting any more than 25% germination rate from all varieties this year. Anyone else experiencing any issues?

Tried different techniques but results all similar. Propagator, window sill, cold frame and polytunnel. Apart from direct sowing I've run out of ideas. Any advice welcome please

[realfood]

I use a propagator and sow the seed on TOP of the compost so that it does not rot. About 95% germination, even on seed several years old. Many of the modern varieties require a high temp.

[chris]

I tend to chit mine prior to sowing.

I've had lower germination rates than usual, but surprisingly this time an open pollenated variety has had pretty much 99% germination - I think only two rotted.

My usual favourite, xtra early super sweet is behind the OP type in growth too (sown at same time - chitted at same time).

[MrLAH]

I've had one of about 18 plants not germinate, all the rest have been fine. Sown in a blow away greenhouse out the back of the house.

[Likac66]

I've had excellent germination on my minipop but not good at all on my golden nugget - less than 50% I think.

[Shadylane]

I pre-chit them too - in a takeaway tub. You have to rinse them every day though or they go rank. Most of them germinated as I recall.

[greenishfing]

I grew Unwins "Lark" sweetcorn last year. I was impressed with the germination rate (100%) and the really sweet sweetcorn that also froze well. It is the best tasting sweetcorn I have ever grown. There was 2 or 3 cobs on every plant. This year I bought the same seeds, 2 packs of 30 seeds. I put it on my windowsill in unheated propagators and in less than a week I had 63 plants (there were a few extras). This was nearly 3 weeks ago and they are still growing well.

[kathyd]

I soaked some super sweet ones before planting in small pots in the polytunnel, covered with 2 layers of fleece. About half germinated. I suspect the rest rotted because the compost stayed too damp and not warm enough, like my french beans. I've got 13 plants which are around 2" high, so at least enough to grow in a block... It's another funny (or not so funny) old spring, isn't it?

[WendyC]

I have never chitted sweetcorn but might give it a go next year. I think rotting is the main problem. I do the same for peas, beans and sweetcorn which is to sow the seed, water once and don't water until most have germinated. Have to resist the urge to water! I think this gives enough for the seed to swell and get going but not too much to rot. Good luck.

[hamesy]

I sown 16 seeds at the beginning of this month and 14 have come up. Sown them in yogurt pots and gave them a good soaking and they were up within a couple of days.

[Jamesy_uk]

Sowed 35 Lark with 100% germination - Soaked them first for 12 hours overnight, then placed in a 3" pot with slightly damp compost for the duration and they were all up within 2 weeks.

[Canny Grower]

I've had 95% germination with my Marshall's seeds. I sow them quite deeply in pint pots, water lightly and keep covered with clear plastic until they germinate. They have been in a blowaway inside an unheated greenhouse, now the plants are10 cms tall and just in the greenhouse. I never soak or chit the seeds, only ever water from the bottom and never have a problem with rotting.

[Nes]

I always chit mine on damp kitchen paper, rolled up with the seeds inside and put into a jam jar, lid on, in the airing cupboard. Sow into deep pots/loo rolls when growing. About 95% germination of 'Swift'. Never had any luck sowing direct or into pots without chitting - always seem to rot.

[Chef_uk]

Near 100% two years running for me. I absolutely soak the pots of compost and then let them drain for a few minutes before sowing into them. I then covered them with cling-film and placed them in the airing cupboard which was on 24/7. 99% came up in a matter of days so whipped the cling-film off and placed them on the windowsills. They are now in the greenhouse waiting for summer to arrive lol.