Q&A for How to Sprout Seeds on a Paper Towel

I suggest using a rubber band to enclose the paper towels and leaving them that way until the seed sprouts. You can wet or sprinkle the towel with water every now and then to maintain its moisture, but not so much that it gets too soaked.

No, you can start perfectly healthy plants this way. All a seed needs for germination is moisture, and it will grow surprisingly large without soil, because it contains its own food. Just be careful to treat the seedling very gently when you transplant it into soil.

You should keep the plastic bag closed because it keeps the moisture inside.

Dig a hole in a suitable part of the garden or a container. Plant the seedling in the soil. Cover the hole with soil and make sure the seedling sits firmly. Water it regularly but don't waterlog it. Wait for it to grow big and strong.

Only if the paper towel dries out before the seeds germinate (though this shouldn't happen if you keep the baggie zipped closed).

Many seeds can be sprouted this way but the germination might take longer depending on the genus. Also, some seeds won't sprout as they need different conditions, such as seeds that need fire to germinate or to go through a bird gut first. You also may need to dampen the paper towel a few times a day or each day until the sprouting happens.

You don’t need to add pH to your water because the seed will feed itself. You won’t need pH unless your doing hydroponics to grow. Hydroponic chambers allow a constant water supply which replaces the soil so you’ll need to add pH to feed your plant. If you use soil then the soil will feed the plant.

Keep the greenery above the soil. Try not to touch the new stalk, as it's easily crushed. Instead, only lift the sprout by the leaves.

You will only know by trying. If the seed is successful, a tap root will sprout. Plant that in soil pointing downward. Sometimes a little green will start sprouting. If that happens, plant that above soil surface.

That means you left them in the paper towel for too long. They are sick and won't grow now.

You can't grow the plant itself in the paper towel, the paper towel is just an easier way to start the growing process. Once they have begun to grow roots you can place them in soil, cover them lightly and water them regularly and you will grow a healthy strong plant.

The seed will germinate into the cotton and have tangled roots or not stay moist enough (paper towel has more surface area).

It depends on what type of seed, but most seeds should start sprouting after about 5 days.