How to get spinach and lettuce seeds to sprout

[wyoDreamer]

For some reason, I cannot get spinach and lettuce seeds to sprout. Is there something I need to do besides planting in seed starting mix and keeping them moist? Light on them or no light?
I have tried planting them in seed starting mix, Jiffy peat pots and potting soil. On a heating mat and without the heating mat. The other seeds I planted at the same time have sprouted, but never the lettuce and spinach. I have tried 3 different brands of spinach seeds, none of them have ever sprouted.

I would like to grow a planter of spinach and a planter of lettuce in my sitting room during the winter. I have south facing windows and a shop light for additional/extended light hours.

Anyone have any advice?

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

Are your seeds old? Where are you getting them from?

I just put them in the dirt, lightly cover with soil and plant. I have some growing outside now under plastic. Could you be giving them too much water?

 

[FarmerJamie]

Are your seeds old? Where are you getting them from?

I just put them in the dirt, lightly cover with soil and plant. I have some growing outside now under plastic. Could you be giving them too much water?

Agreed.

Maybe try a test sprouting in a damp paper towel and plastic baggie?

 

[CrealCritter]

What others said and I agree with you, both can be challenging. They seem to do OK in cool soil temps (below 70 and above 32). Planting too deep and not maintenaning even soil moisture until sprouting is also problematic.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[tortoise]

I dont cover lettuce or spinach seeds with soil bc I'm lazy. I use a humidity dome, also because I'm lazy.

Spinach germinates between 40 and 68°F. 55°F is their ideal temperature for germinating. They might not germinate at or over 80°F. Are your seeds too warm?

 

[wyoDreamer]

I think I will order some fresh seeds. And use a humidity dome. The last packet I tried were from 2020.

 

[CrealCritter]

I think I will order some fresh seeds. And use a humidity dome. The last packet I tried were from 2020.

I have had very limited success transplanting lettuce, high incidents of transplant shock even after hardening off well. If you have success please share any special transplanting things you've done.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[Mariagood]

To get spinach and lettuce seeds to sprout, you need to ensure they are not exposed to high temperatures, as both are cool-weather crops. Spinach in particular may not germinate well if temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C). Try sowing them in cooler conditions, ideally around 50-60°F (10-15°C), and avoid using a heating mat. Keep the seeds consistently moist, but not overly wet, as they prefer a light, steady moisture.

Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them deeply—press them lightly into the soil. Spinach can be covered lightly. If you are using a shop light, keep it close to the surface for 12-16 hours per day to mimic optimal daylight hours. South-facing windows are great for natural light, but you may still need to extend light hours with the shop light during winter.