Germination Temperature — Why Cold Windowsills Destroy Seedlings
In short: Windowsills by glass in February can be as low as 10–12°C. Peppers germinate optimally at 24–28°C. Cold growing medium dramatically slows or blocks germination.
Germination Temperature — Heat is Key
Temperature by the window in winter: often 10–12°C. Peppers at 10°C germinate in 3–4 weeks instead of 10 days.
Optimal germination temperatures:
- Tomato: 22–26°C
- Pepper: 24–28°C (very sensitive!)
- Cucumber: 22–25°C
- Lettuce: 15–20°C
- Carrot: 15–22°C
Where to keep germinating seeds:
- Top of the refrigerator — constant ~25°C, zero cost
- Seedling heat mat — £15–25
- Counter near radiator covered with foil — mini greenhouse
When to move to windowsill: Only when seedlings have cotyledons — now they need light.
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