Guide to Starting Vegetable Transplants
Guide to Starting Vegetable Transplants
| Vegetable | Germination Temperature ( F) |
Number of Days to Germination |
Day Growing Temperature ( F) |
Sowing to Planting Time (Weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Brussels Sprouts | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Cabbage | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Cauliflower | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Collards | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Cucumber* | 75-90 | 3-5 | 75-85 | 3-4 |
| Eggplant | 75-85 | 6-8 | 70-80 | 6-8 |
| Kale | 70-80 | 5-6 | 60-65 | 5-7 |
| Lettuce | 75 | 3-4 | 55-60 | 5-7 |
| Muskmelon* | 75-90 | 3-5 | 75-85 | 3-4 |
| Onion | 75 | 4-6 | 60-70 | 8-10 |
| Pepper | 75-85 | 7-8 | 70-80 | 6-8 |
| Okra* | 75-85 | 6-9 | 70-80 | 6-8 |
| Pumpkin* | 75-90 | 3-5 | 75-85 | 3-4 |
| Squash* | 75-90 | 3-5 | 75-85 | 3-4 |
| Tomatillo | 75-85 | 6-8 | 70-80 | 6-8 |
| Tomato | 75-85 | 5-7 | 70-80 | 5-7 |
| Watermelon* | 75-90 | 3-5 | 75-85 | 3-4 |
Notes
Germination Temperature - Seed germination occurs over a wide range of soil temperatures. For example, onion seeds germinate at temperatures of 35 to 95 F. However, optimum germination occurs at 75 F.
Days to Germination - Number of days for seeds to germinate when provided optimum temperature and moisture conditions.
Day Growing Temperatures - Optimum daytime temperature range for the development of sturdy, healthy seedlings. Night temperature should be 5 to 10 degrees cooler.
* Vine crops (cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon) and okra do not transplant well. For best results, sow these vegetables directly into peat pots.
This article originally appeared in the 2/11/2005 issue.
