- What is the difference between light germs and dark germs?
- This is how you sow the light germinator coriander correctly
- tips and tricks
When botanists count the light germinators among the spice plants, Mediterranean coriander is one of them. Thus the seeds are dependent on a certain quantity of light rays in order to germinate. You can find out what this circumstance means for sowing here.

What is the difference between light germs and dark germs?
The name already indicates that light is essential for the germination of coriander seeds or other light germinators. This goes hand in hand with the ability to sprout the cotyledons early in the year. Devoid of any protection, light germinators do not have to be exposed to the dangers of direct sowing. There is nothing wrong with sifting the seedbed with substrate or sand as thick as seeds.
In the case of dark germs, on the other hand, the opposite sign applies. These seeds require total darkness to be in the mood for germination. Consequently, they must be pressed several centimeters deep into the substrate. Since they also need more heat, early sowing in the bed is rarely possible.
This is how you sow the light germinator coriander correctly
If you grow coriander yourself by direct sowing, the time window opens in mild areas in April. Choose a bed in a sunny location with humus-rich soil, preferably fresh, moist and well-drained. Work the clod until the soil is finely crumbly and free from impurities. How to sow correctly:
- press the seeds individually in a row a maximum of 0.5 centimeters into the soil
- the ideal planting distance is 15-20 centimetres
- a perfect row spacing moves around 30 centimeters
- Sieve the seeds thinly with sand or substrate and sprinkle with water
To protect against late ground frosts and voracious pests, spread a garden fleece over the seedbed. Depending on the weather conditions, germination will start within 5-14 days. During this time, the soil must not dry out. Consistent weeding is one of the most important care tasks until the young plants know how to assert themselves.
tips and tricks
When you sow directly, do you worry that coriander seeds will simply be washed away as light germinators? Then reach for the ultimate seed helper that will prevent this catastrophe. Scattered thinly on the seedbed, the fine-grained mineral vermiculite protects the seeds from drying out and at the same time lets the light through.
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