NMoasis said: Another way to check, if you have enough to spare, is to dampen a couple of layers of paper towels then set 10 seeds on them, covered by another damp paper towel. Set it on a counter away from direct light for up to the germination time shown on the seed packet, keeping them consistently damp with a spray bottle. You might be able to see if they are sprouting through the top layer, or lift it carefully every few days to check. The number (out of ten) that sprout will give you the seeds' germination rate (percentage).