Which Liquids Do Seeds Grow Best In?

Seeds growth is determined by its ability to absorb water. As the seed coat swells with water, the seed splits apart letting the cotyledon (first leaves) emerge. A constant supply of water and adequate amounts of oxygen, light, heat and nutrients ensure proper germination and continual growth. Growing seeds in other liquids may be successful if pH, and the amount of dissolved substance, sugar, salt and other material is taken into consideration.

Most seeds like to grow in a neutral solution, 7 on the pH scale. Vinegar from the supermarket is 5 percent acetic acid. It has a low pH. Vinegar draws water away from the seed, drying it out. Since seeds need to absorb liquid to germinate, vinegar or other highly acidic substances inhibit growth. Ammonia and other alkaline -- high pH -- liquids also inhibit seed growth. Some seeds, blueberries and azaleas grow into plants that like slightly acidic soil while other plants are adapted to growing in limestone areas with a slightly higher pH. Extreme pH, too high or too low kills seeds.

For the most part, highly salted water inhibits seed growth. Salty liquid draws water out of the seeds, drying them out so they die. A slightly salty water may have little or no effect on the seeds ability to grow. The amount of salt a seed can tolerate depends on the species. Some species are adapted to grow in areas with a high salt content that would kill most seeds.

The more sugar present in the liquid used to grow seeds, the harder it is for the seed to absorb water and grow. A slight increase in sweetness may have no effect.