If you have sown a Highbreed Seeds seed and it isn't germinating, don't give up on it just yet. In most cases there is a simple explanation and a solution. This guide helps you work out what happened, what you can still try and, if it really is a failure, how to make a claim.
⏱️ First: has enough time passed?
Germination is not instant. Before you worry, check how long it has been:
- 24–72 hours: the normal window under optimal conditions. It is too early to draw conclusions.
- 3–5 days: still within the expected range, especially if the temperature is not perfect.
- Up to 10 days: some seeds, particularly those stored for a while, take longer. Give them time.
If more than 10 days have passed with no sign of activity, the seed is unlikely to germinate.
🔍 Check your conditions
The vast majority of failures come from the environment, not the seed. Review these four points:
- Temperature: between 22 and 26 °C. Below 20 °C germination slows down or stops.
- Moisture: the medium should be damp, never waterlogged. Excess water is the number one cause of failure: it drowns the seed and encourages mould.
- Darkness: the seed does not need light to germinate. Keep it covered until the radicle appears.
- Oxygen: a little airflow stops the seed from rotting.
🌱 Is the seed still alive?
Look at the seed carefully to tell whether it is still viable:
- Good sign: it has swollen, changed colour, or a small white root (radicle) is showing. It is on track and just needs more time.
- Bad sign: it remains hard and unchanged after several days, has turned soft and dark, or shows mould. In that case it is very unlikely to germinate.
🛠️ What you can still try
If the seed looks intact but isn't starting, before discarding it you can try:
- Adjust the temperature: bring it to a steady 24 °C; a warm spot with no draughts helps a lot.
- Correct the moisture: if the paper or substrate is soaked, wring it out; if it is dry, dampen it slightly.
- Glass of water method: leave the seed in room-temperature water (min. 22 °C) for 12–24 h to hydrate the shell, then return it to damp paper.
Avoid handling the seed with your fingers or forcing the shell open: it is easy to damage the embryo.
❌ When to consider it a failure
We talk about a true germination failure when these three things happen at once:
- More than 10 days have passed.
- The conditions were correct (temperature, moisture, darkness).
- The seed shows no sign of life (no swelling, no radicle).
📩 How to make a claim
If it is a failure and the conditions are met, we cover it. To process it you will need two photos (the label/batch and the germination method used) and your order number. You will find the full process in our
Germination Failure Policy.
Does your case not fit any of these scenarios? Contact us by chat and we will look into it with you — before, during or after your purchase.