Optimum Soil Temperatures
For Seed Germination
It is better to sow your seeds a little late rather than too early. In the spring, the air temperatures may be warm for a few days, but this will have little effect on the soil temperature. Only when the days and nights both stay warm for an extended period of time will the soil temperature start to rise.
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SOIL TEMPERATURE
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DAYS TO GERMINATE
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| Bean, lima |
85 degrees F
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7 to 10 days
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| Bean, snap |
75 to 80 degrees F
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7 days
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| Beet |
75 degrees F
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7 to 14 days
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| Broccoli |
65 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Brussels sprout |
68 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Cabbage |
68 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Cantaloupe |
80 to 85 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Carrot |
75 degrees F
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12 to 15 days
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| Cauliflower |
65 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Celery |
70 to 75 degrees F
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10 to 14 days
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| Collard |
70 to 75 degrees F
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5 to 10 days
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| Corn |
75 to 85 degrees F
|
7-10 days
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| Cucumber |
70 to 85 degrees F
|
7 to 10 days
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| Eggplant |
75 to 85 degrees F
|
10 to 12 days
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| Endive |
70 to 75 degrees F
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10 to 14 days
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| Kale |
70 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Kohlrabi |
70 to 75 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Lettuce |
65 to 70 degrees F
|
7 to 10 days
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| Melon |
80 to 85 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Mustard Greens |
70 degrees F
|
5 to 10 days
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| Okra |
80 to 85 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Onion, bulbing |
70 to 75 degrees F
|
10 to 14 days
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| Onion, bunching |
60 to 70 degrees F
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10 to 14 days
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| Parsnip |
70 degrees F
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14 to 21 days
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| Pea |
65 to 70 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Pepper |
78 to 85 degrees F
|
10 to 14 days
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| Pumpkin |
70 to 75 degrees F
|
7 to 10 days
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| Radish |
65 to 70 degrees F
|
5 to 7 days
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| Rutabaga |
65 to 70 degrees F
|
7 to 15 days
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| Spinach |
70 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Spinach, New Zealand |
75 degrees F
|
10 to 15 days
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| Squash, Summer |
75 to 85 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Squash, Winter |
75 to 80 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Swiss Chard |
70 to 75 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Tomato |
75 to 80 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Turnip |
65 to 70 degrees F
|
7 to 14 days
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| Watermelon |
75 to 85 degrees F
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7 to 14 days
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