Germinating seeds smell of mold..

I'm assuming I should toss them... Why did this happen and how can I prevent it? I used the paper towel method I don't have a cigar tube or I'd do it that way... Thanks.

How long have the seeds been in the paper towel? I've noticed a musty smell after leaving duds in wet paper towels for over a week, and by the time I notice it, I trash 'em. If you've been trying to germinate for over a week, and they still haven't cracked, it's likely that they're not going to. If they haven't been in there for very long (day or two), then just replace the paper towel and maybe add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the water you use to wet it with. I highly doubt that it's the seeds causing the offending smell.

Also, don't know how you're doing it, but I like to keep the folded paper towel inside a ziplock bag... keeps it from drying out too quickly.

Take care. :jointsmile:

I transfered them to different tubberwears after I first noticed the smell, then it came back.. I moved it again and it's back (all over the period of about 3 days)

I just threw em all in Rubbing Alchohol for a second and then into a clean paper towel and new tubberwear.. I might've messed them up with the rubbing alchohol I'm not sure but if the smell dosen't come back and they pop I'm gonna assume it's okay.

Smell came back, tossed the seeds.. Started over with new ones.

a little bit of musky smell is normal, I wouldn't worry unless you see something growing other than sprouts. stick'em in the ground as soon as they pop, and you'll be ok.

i subscribe to this technique for seeds...

soak in water overnight.

move to moist paper towel in baggie.
keep in dark, well ventilated place, not too cold.

when sprout, move to soil, and place under light.

been a while since i used a seed, but i think if no action within a week, they junk.

If it doesn't have mould on seeds then you might have cooked or drowned them. Some old seeds I had that and I crack a few open to see and they were just mush. I start all my seeds in rockwool or peat plugs now. The move from paper towel can be a bitch if they start to dry out.

I try the paper towel thing just to see if they will pop but it's tricky on heat or too cold.