12 Reasons Your Seeds Fail to Sprout --- and Foolproof Ways to Fix Them
1. Why Aren't My Seeds Sprouting? It Could Be Poor Seed Quality

Old, damaged, or improperly stored seeds often lose their ability to sprout. If your seeds have been exposed to moisture, heat, or age, germination rates drop drastically.
Fix it:
- Buy seeds from reputable suppliers that guarantee freshness
- Do a germination test: Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel. If <7 sprout within a week, replace them
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Poor viability | Old/poorly stored | Buy fresh trusted seeds |
Low germination | Damaged/expired seeds | Replace if <70% success |