Seed Germination Soil Temperatures

Soil Thermometer

About Soil Temperatures for Seed Germination and Transplanting Seedlings

You’ve waited all winter to begin your new vegetable garden. According to the calendar, it’s just about the right time. But, wait!!!!! First, you need to know the proper seed germination soil temperature for each of your plants. If the soil temperature is not right, your seeds may fail to germinate. Both the seedlings that do sprout, and your garden transplants, can become stunted, or even die. The Seed Germination Temperature chart displayed below. will guide you to the right conditions for successful planting.

For the absolute best start to your garden season, plant your vegetables, both seeds, and seedlings, when the soil temperatures are optimum to do so. This will help to avoid transplanting shock for your seedlings.

Most seeds require warm soil temperatures down to 3 inches deep, to encourage germination.   

Use a garden soil thermometer, to check the soil temperature. Simply insert the thermometer to a depth of 2-3 inches. Wait three minutes, then take the reading.

Use the chart below to identify the ideal soil temperatures for your vegetables.

Gardening Tip: It is also important not to plant seeds above the maximum range. Seeds can literally bake in hot soils.  

Seed Germination Temperature Chart

Ideal Temperatures, Degrees in Fahrenheit:
Vegetable:Will Germinate at:Ideal Germination at:Transplant Seeds at:
Asparagus50F-90F70F 
Beans60F-90F80F 
Beets40F-90F80F 
Broccoli40F-90F80F50F
Cabbage40F-90F80F45F
Cantaloupe60F-100F90F65F
Carrot40F-90F80F 
Cauliflower40F-90F80F45F
Celery40F-80F70F45F
Chard40F-90F80F 
Corn50F-100F80F60F
Cucumber60F-100F90F65F
Endive40F-75F75F 
Lettuce40F-75F75F 
Okra60F-100F90F70F
Onion40F-100F90F45F
Parsley40F-90F80F 
Parsnip40F-90F70F 
Pepper60F-90F80F65F
Pumpkin60F-100F90F65F
Radish40F-90F80F 
Spinach40F-80F75F 
Squash60F-100F90F65F
Tomato50F-100F80F60F
Watermelon60F-110F90F65F

Related Articles

People who like this article will also like:

Seed Germination

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

    Please support our site. Shop for:

    Scroll to top