Growing plants from seed is a hobby in it’s own right, with different seed varieties requiring different germination methods. So if you’re just getting started in the hobby, it’s best to start off with the easier seed varieties, and then work your way up to the more difficult seeds. This post has the many easier seed varieties that are perfect for beginners! Let’s jump in:
1) Herb Seeds: Chamomile
Chamomile seeds and a chamomile seedling
Chamomile is one of the easiest seeds to germinate, it’s basically as simple as adding soil, water, light and the seeds and they’ll likely germinate within a week! It’s a great starter seed, and if you’re a fan of herbal tea, well then Chamomile is the perfect option for you :)
Germination Time: 7-10 days
Maturity: 6-8 weeks
Care Tips: Does best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun, and soil should be kept dry and with minimal fertilizer.
Uses/Benefits: Chamomile tea is one of the more popular herbal teas, made out of the leaves and the flowers, it’s known to help with relaxation and can even soothe an upset stomach! However, the tea is even helpful as an insecticide and a germination! Chamomile tea releases tannins, which aid in seed germination, so try soaking some of your seeds(maybe some of the trickier ones that aren’t on this list!) in some chamomile tea before planting them! You can even use it as an insecticide by spraying it on the leaves of infected plants.
2) Herb Seeds: Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm plants
Lemon Balm is one of those herbs you don’t hear too much about, unfortunately! It’s an awesome little herb to have around, however, and it’s easy to grow so it’s a great starter plant for new hobbyists.
Germination Time: 10-14 days
Maturity: 35 days
Care Tips: Does best in full sun or partial shade and regular watering with minimal fertilizer.
Uses/Benefits: Lemon Balm is a relative of mint, and has a lemony flavor(thus the name) and is therefore great for teas, perfumes, garnishes, salads, and even as a digestive aid. I personally like to toss a leaf or two in my husband’s tea if I don’t have any lemons around :)
3) Herb Seed: Basil
Basil seedlings
Basil is a staple herb in various cuisines, not only does it add amazing flavor, but it offers all kinds of health benefits, making it a must-have herb in any hobbyist’s garden!
Germination Time: 5-14 days
Maturity: 65-70 days
Care Tips: Full sun with well-watered soil.
Uses/Benefits: basil is great in salads and sauces like pesto, or just as a seasoning in a meal. It’s known to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and have many other benefits.
4) Herb Seed: Cilantro
Cilantro is not for everyone(I’m not a fan, myself!), but it’s a great herb and is popularly used in certain cuisines!
Germination Time: 10-20 days
Maturity: 100 days
Care Tips: Cilantro prefers cooler conditions, so plant in early spring or in the fall.
Uses/Benefits: Cilantro is commonly used for salads, sauces, and even aromatherapy for relieving stress and anxiety.
5) Sprouts
Sprouts in progress
Sprouting seeds includes a variety of seeds for various grains and legumes, like mung beans, alfalfa, and wheat! Sprouts are super easy and quick to grow, and is an amazing way to add a boost of protein and nutrients in your diet.
Germination Time: 2-4 days
Maturity: ~1 week
Care Tips: Soak the seeds for a day or so(preferably a jar), drain the water and rinse the seeds, then let the seeds sit in the jar, rinsing them daily, until they sprout, at which point they’re ready to eat!
Uses/Benefits: Sprouts are very nutritionally dense, good source of protein. They’re also just a delicious addition to any meals!
6) Veggie Seeds: Sugar Snap Pea
Sugar Snap Peas are a delicious veggie and a must-have for any beginner gardeners, being a very versatile and low maintenance plant!
Germination Time: 7-10 days
Maturity: 60-75 days
Care Tips: Peas prefer full sun, though they can tolerate some partial shade. Fertilization not required but some can help!
Uses/Benefits: A little-known fact, is you can eat pea shoots and add them to salads to add an extra burst of flavor. Don’t harvest all of the shoots(leave some for the plant!), but they are a great snack :) As for the peas themselves, they’re great for salads, stir fry, and can freeze well!
7) Veggie Seeds: Arugula
One of the most popular leafy greens used in salads, arugula is great to have around your garden, whether indoors or outdoors! Leafy greens are a great option for indoor gardening, and are handy to have around to add into a meal :)
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Maturity: 40-45 days
Care Tips: Arugula prefers cooler weather, so it’s best to plant in early spring or in the fall. Partial shade is best to protect arugula from intense sun.
Uses/Benefits: Arugula is best used for salads with various health benefits!
8) Veggie Seeds: Radish
A radish plant grow indoors under a grow light!
Radish are super fast growing, and while a rather underrated veggie, it’s very nutritious and overall a great option for impatient gardeners out there to add to their veggie patch :) One of my personal favorites to grow, as it’s just fun to watch the plants develop those classic red bulbs in less than a month!
Germination Time: 5-7 days
Maturity: 21-27 days
Care: Radishes prefer full sun, minimal fertilization, and cooler weather like spring/fall. Sow radish seeds in quick succession to have a regular harvest!
Uses/Benefits: Don’t just toss out those radish greens when you harvest the bulb, they’re a great addition to salads! I regularly pick off the leaves for my salads, and when you have the bulbs, use those for salads, soups and for roasting.
9) Indoor Bloom Seeds: Petunia
Flowers get overlooked in the houseplant hobby, however they do add a nice splash of color and are just fun to watch grow, not to mention extremely rewarding when you see those first flower buds form :) Petunias are a great indoor gardening option, and if given enough light indoors, can definitely flower for you!
Germination Time: 14 days
Maturity: 98-105 days
Care Tips: Petunias prefer full sun or partial shade, avoid overwatering and wetting the foliage. Make sure seeds are well-lit to get them to germinate!
Uses/Benefits: Petunias are lovely plants, with lush foliage and simple but gorgeous blooms! They’re just pretty to have around :)
10) Indoor Bloom Seed: Geranium
4-month old geranium plant grown from seed
One of the quickest seeds on this list to germinate, geraniums are easy to grow and have that nice vining growth in addition to beautiful and uniquely-shaped foliage.
Germination Time: 5-7 days
Maturity: 91-105 days
Care Tips: Seeds don’t require light to germinate, but it’s better to have all the same! The plants prefer full sun-partial shade, and enjoy rich soil with a good amount of water.
Uses/Benefits: Like petunias, geraniums are just pretty plants to have around. In addition, the blooms have a lovely fragrance!
11) Tropical Seeds: Polka Dot Plants
Pink Polka Dot Plant
If you’re getting into started off tropical plants from seed, start with polka dot plants! They’re the easiest tropicals to germinate, and grow quickly to produce adorable and colorful polka-dotted leaves.
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Maturity: 2-3 months
Care Tips: The plants prefer partial or full shade, or bright indirect light indoors. Keep the seedlings brightly lit as they grow, the more light they get(no direct sun!), the more bright colors the foliage can produce. Keep moist, but let soil dry out between waterings.
Uses/Benefits: Also a lovely ornamental plant to have in your home or in the shadier parts of your garden.
12) Succulent Seeds: Desert Rose
A quirky-looking desert rose
The one succulent variety on this list, Desert Rose or Adenium Obesum, germinates relatively quickly and easily! Not only that, but the plants grow into little trees with thick stumps and with enough light, produce simple but gorgeous blooms.
Germination Time: Anywhere from 1 week to 1 month.
Maturity: 6 months - 1 year
Care Tips: Keep brightly lit, full sun is best, keep relatively moist during the spring/summer months but let the soil dry out between waterings, and allow the plant to dry out more during the cooler months. Fertilization during the growing season is best!
Uses/Benefits: Desert Rose are poisonous, so make sure not to ingest these! They are lovely plants to keep, however, indoors and outdoors!
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1 comment
I love gardening 🪴🌺