Work out seed germination rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Germination rate is germinated seeds as a percentage of seeds placed in the test. Seed laws grade on normal seedlings only, so abnormal and weak sprouts are counted separately. Dividing the germination percentage by days to final count gives a simple speed-of-emergence index for comparing lots.
Germination rate
Germination % = germinated seeds x 100 / seeds sown
Speed index
Speed index = germination % / days to final count
Certification minimums are typically 70-85% depending on crop — around 85% for wheat and paddy, 70% for cotton and many pulses. Below the standard the lot cannot be sold as certified seed.
Use at least 4 replicates of 100 seeds on moist paper or sand at the crop's recommended temperature, count at the prescribed first and final count days, and record normal, abnormal, hard and dead seeds separately.