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From Seed to Sprout: The Science Behind Germination

Sprouting seeds is as exciting as it is precarious. The life that emerges from seeds is as tender and sensitive to the environment as a newborn baby. Germination, like birth, is also an incredibly stressful process, and one of the more difficult phases a plant will endure in its entire life cycle. By understanding the science behind germination, we can optimize the Gardyn settings and surrounding environment to give seeds and new sprouts the best chance of thriving. For the best shot at germination success, Gardyners should pay attention to plant food usage, yCube water saturation, air temperature and humidity, and consider the needs of each plant species.

Plant Food

Plant Food

Some Gardyners might accidentally add plant food too early– an understandable misstep when we want our plants to be healthy out of the gate. Unfortunately, studies have shown that fertilizers can delay germination or even prevent it altogether. Seeds are created with all the nutrients they need to fuel them to sprout, so adding more can overwhelm them. Imagine trying to feed a burger to an infant still on the bottle! Just as babies need time to grow before they can accept more robust meals, only introduce fertilizer to a plant if it is sprouted and well-established.

If some seeds don’t sprout by day 10 when it’s time to add plant food, consider moving them to a tray and using our yCube Refill Tips protocol. Similarly, if your Gardyn already has mature plants with fertilizer in the water, use the tray technique to sprout any new yCubes first before adding them to the Gardyn. Wait at least for the cotyledons, or embryonic leaves, to fully develop before putting them in a Gardyn with plant food. Waiting for a set of true leaves to grow will only improve your plant’s chances of surviving the move.

yCube Saturation

yCube Saturation

Another common variable that most affects germination speed and success is how saturated the yCubes become. Germination requires oxygen. Most seeds access dissolved oxygen in the water itself and in the surrounding air pockets. To ensure there’s enough oxygen present for your seeds to sprout, make sure yCubes remain moist but not soaked or saturated. If you notice the top of your yCube becomes very dark or see any pooling of water near the rim of the yCube surface, it could be a sign that the rockwool plugs are too wet. Some species do well in saturated conditions while others, like herbs, can be very sensitive. If you see some yCubes have become saturated, place them on a dry tray, monitor daily to maintain moisture content, and give them a little extra patience. If you notice white mold forming, it’s normal and typically caused by ungerminated seeds. If you see it form on an ungerminated yCube, it’s a good sign to replace it and try again. 

Temperature, Humidity & Light

Temperature, Humidity & Light

Controlling your home environment is helpful for germination. Some species prefer cooler temperatures, and some sprout fastest in warmer temperatures, but the seeds included in our Plant Portfolio all will successfully germinate at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your seeds are sprouting in a warmer environment, be patient with cool weather crops like Kale and Butterhead. Similarly, if you’re in a cooler environment it could take some extra time for warmer weather crops like Sweet Thai Basil or Jalapeños. 

It’s equally important to consider humidity in relation to air temperature, as it can often be the determining factor between sprouts that thrive and sprouts that immediately shrivel. If your air is too dry it can stress out new seedlings or even completely overwhelm them. If you find your air is excessively dry, consider adding a humidifier to the area. A higher humidity can benefit plants by encouraging photosynthesis, and controls how much and how quickly the plants drink. If the plant is a biological “straw” with the roots at one end and the leaves at the other, the humidity largely controls how hard the air is “pulling” on that straw.

Some plants need light to germinate, so it’s a good idea to keep your Gardyn’s lights on during the germination process. The light does not have to be too intense, so if you prefer a softer glow it is fine to reduce the light intensity to 15-20% while waiting for seeds to sprout.

Patience is Key

Keeping yCubes moist but not soaked, as close to 75F as possible, with no plant food added, and next to soft indirect light will give yCubes the best chance of sprouting. The last ingredient comes from the Gardyner: Patience! Sometimes yCubes that look like “duds” will be a surprise and sprout late! Seeds have even sprouted as late as 40+ days in some cases, so don’t give up on your yCubes too early! 

Germination can sometimes be tricky, but paying attention to the fine details of the process can help improve success. 

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Recommended

A little bit of everything

Market favorites like Kale, Basil, and Butterhead with a mix of rare heirloom varieties to discover new tastes.

GREENS: Arugula, Breen, Buttercrunch (x2), Butterhead (x2), Green Mustard, Kale, Monte Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

FRUITS: Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Sweet Peppers

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Beauty

Pops of color and flavor

A mix of bright blooms and tastes featuring Sunflowers, Snapdragons and Mini Cauliflower.

GREENS: Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Purple Kohlrabi, Red Tatsoi, Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard, Kale, Mone Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

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GREENS: Bok Choy, Bulls Blood (x2), Wheatgrass (x2), Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard, Kale, Mone Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

HERBS: Chervil, Holy Basil, Red Sorrel, Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

FRUITS: Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Sweet Peppers Flowers: Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana

PLANT STARTER SET OPTIONS

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

BEAUTY

Mini Cauliflower (x2), Snapdragon, Sunflower (x2), Red Tatsoi, Purple Kohlrabi, Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Dill

IMMUNITY

Bok Choy, Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana, Holy Basil, Chervil, Wheatgrass (x2), Bull’s Blood (x2), Red Sorrel

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

BEAUTY

Mini Cauliflower (x2), Snapdragon, Sunflower (x2), Red Tatsoi, Purple Kohlrabi, Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Dill

IMMUNITY

Bok Choy, Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana, Holy Basil, Chervil, Wheatgrass (x2), Bull’s Blood (x2), Red Sorrel

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites:

  • Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more
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  • Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites: Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more // Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers // Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

Welcome Set

A variety of easy-growing Gardyner Favorites

Greens:

Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard,Kale, Monte Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

Fruits:

Cherry Tomatos, Jalapeños, Sweet Peppers

Herbs:

Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

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Winter Wellness Starter Set

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Bok Choy
  • Breen
  • Bull’s Blood x 2
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Wheatgrass x 2

Herbs

  • Chervil
  • Cilantro
  • Holy Basil
  • Mint
  • Red Sorrel
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

FLowers

  • Chamomile
  • Fiesta Gitana

Treat Your Senses Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Hon Tsai Tai x 2
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Purple Kohlrabi
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Tatsoi
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Hon Tsai Tai x 2
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Purple Kohlrabi
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Tatsoi
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits & Veggies

  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Mini Cauliflower x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Mini Cauliflower x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos

FLOWERS

  • Snapdragon
  • Sunflower x 2

Gardyn Home Device 2.0

Gardyn Home Device 3.0

PLANT STARTER SET OPTIONS

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

SUNNY BOUQUET

Sunflowers (x2), Viola (x3), Matilda, Dill, Purple Basil (x2), Tokyo Bekana

TASTE OF ITALY

Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Lollo Rossa, Endive Lettuce, Arugula, Romaine, Kale Lacinato, Mini Eggplant

FARM FRESH

Mini-Strawberries (x2), Chervil, Bok Choi, Red Sorrel, Chives, Matilda, Fiesta Gitana, Kale Lacinato, Chamomile

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites:

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  • Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers
  • Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

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Sunny Bouquet Starter Set

Greens

Greens

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  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
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  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Tokyo Bekana
  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Tokyo Bekana

Herbs

Herbs

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  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Purple Basil x 2
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  • Thyme
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  • Sweet Thai Basil
  • Thyme

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  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

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Flowers

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  • Viola x 3
  • Sunflowers x 2
  • Viola x 3

Taste of Italy Starter Set

Greens

Greens

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  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Endive Lettuce
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Lollo Rossa
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Mustard
  • Romaine
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Endive Lettuce
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Lollo Rossa
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Mustard
  • Romaine
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

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  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Italian Parsely
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  • Oregano
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  • Thyme
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  • Cilantro
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  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

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Fruits

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  • Jalapeno
  • Mini Eggplant
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  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Mini Eggplant
  • Sweet Peppers

Farm Fresh Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Bok Choi
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Sorrel
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula
  • Bok Choi
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Sorrel
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

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  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
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  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

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  • Jalapeno
  • Mini-Strawberries x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
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  • Jalapeno
  • Mini-Strawberries x 2
  • Sweet Peppers

FLowers

Flowers

  • Chamomile
  • Fiesta Gitana
  • Chamomile
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Superfood Fresh Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula 
  • Breen 
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
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  • Kale Lacinato
  • Monta Carlo
  • Purselane
  • Red Amaranth
  • Red mustard x 2
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass
  • Arugula 
  • Breen 
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Monta Carlo
  • Purselane
  • Red Amaranth
  • Red mustard x 2
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass

Herbs

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Wild Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Wild Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cape Gooseberry
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno

  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cape Gooseberry
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

Flowers

Flowers

  • Radio Calendula
  • Radio Calendula

Bounty of Greens Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen x 2
  • Buttercrunch x 2
  • Butterhead x 3
  • Green Mustard x 2
  • Kale x 2
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen x 2
  • Buttercrunch x 2
  • Butterhead x 3
  • Green Mustard x 2
  • Kale x 2
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos