Problems With Black Cherry Tomato Seeds

Seed Viability

• Check your seeds for viability. Some seeds will sprout while others have dried out or rotted and will fail, regardless of care. Fill a bowl or glass with water and dump the seeds in; seeds that sink are viable while seeds that float are not.

Season and Temperatures

• Tomatoes are summertime plants and require the right sun and temperature for seed germination. Tomato seeds need temperatures over 60 degrees Fahrenheit to sprout and will fail in cold soil. Move the seeds to appropriate locations and expect germination in five to 10 days under the right conditions.

Soil

• Tomatoes require rich, quick-draining soil for growth, and seeds require loose, fine soil to allow for expansion and sprouting. Black cherry tomato seeds will fail in tight, heavy or poor soil. Start the seeds in fine seed starter mix and 6-inch pots. Plant one seed per pot, 1/4-inch deep.

Sun

• Keep the pots in sunny window sills, where the seeds get six to eight hours of sun every day. The seeds will germinate under bright artificial light as well. Shade restricts germination.

Water

• Tomatoes are thirsty plants and will fail if kept dry. Water the seeds with a watering can to avoid displacement by the flow of water. Give them 2 inches of water each time and water again only when the soil feels dry. Over-watering leads to rot while under-watering leads to drying.