Once the germination process has begun, a dry period can cause the death of the embryo. An adequate, continuous supply of water is important to ensure germination. Even though seeds have great absorbing power due to the nature of the seed coat, the amount of available water in the substrate affects the uptake of water. The first step in the germination process is the imbibition or absorption of water. There are four environmental factors which affect germination: water, oxygen, light, and heat. From those germinating, expect about 60% to 75% to produce satisfactory, vigorous, sturdy seedlings. In general, do not expect more than 65% to 80% of new seeds to germinate. A seed must have a mature embryo, contain a large enough endosperm to sustain the embryo during germination, and contain sufficient hormones to initiate the process. Germination will begin when certain internal requirements have been met. See UMaine Extension Bulletin #2750 for information on how to save your own seed. This is especially true of the many hybrid varieties. Some gardeners save seed from their own gardens however, such seed is the result of random pollination by insects or other natural agents, and may not produce plants typical of the parents. The door shelves in a refrigerator work well. Paper packets are best kept in tightly closed containers and maintained around 40◦F. Laminated foil packets help ensure dry storage. If seeds are obtained well in advance of the actual sowing date or are stored surplus seeds, keep them in a cool, dry place. Printing on the seed packet usually indicates essential information about the variety, the year for which the seeds were packaged, and germination percentage you may typically expect, and notes about any chemical seed treatment. Quality seed will not contain seed of any other crop, weeds, seeds, or other debris. However, hybrid plants usually have more vigor, more uniformity, and better production than non-hybrids and sometimes have specific disease resistance or other unique cultural characteristics.Īlthough some seeds will keep for several years if stored properly, it is advisable to purchase only enough seed for the current year’s use. Many new vegetable and flower varieties are hybrids, which cost a little more than open pollinated types. Choose varieties adapted to your area which will reach maturity before an early frost. Select varieties to provide the size, color, and habit of growth desired. To obtain quality plants, start with good quality seed from a reliable dealer. ² Daily fluctuation to 60☏ or lower at night is essential. ¹ Compiled by J.F Harrington, Department of Vegetable Crops, University of California, Davis. Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination¹ Vegetable Minges, Vegetable Seed Germination, University of California Agricultural Extension Leaflet, unnumbered (1954) Approximate Life Expectancy of Vegetable Seeds Stored Under Favorable Conditions VegetableĪdapted from J.F. In the following section, seed germination and transplanting of seeds will be discussed. When a seed is mature and put in a favorable environment, it will germinate (begin active growth). The seed is made up of three parts: the outer seed coat, which protects the seed the endosperm, which is a food reserve and the embryo, which is the young plant itself. Sexual propagation involves the union of the pollen (male) with the egg (female) to produce a seed. It may be easier and faster in some species it may be the only way to perpetuate some cultivars and it bypasses the juvenile characteristics of certain species. The advantages of sexual propagation are that it may be cheaper and quicker than other methods it may be the only way to obtain new varieties and hybrid vigor in certain species, it is the only viable method for propagation and it is a way to avoid transmission of certain diseases. Asexual propagation involves the vegetative parts of a plant: stems, roots, or leaves. The resulting new plant is genetically identical its parent. Asexual propagation involves taking a part of one parent plant and causing it to regenerate itself into a new plant. Sexual propagation involves the floral parts of a plant. Sexual reproduction is the union of the pollen and egg, drawing from the genes of two parents to create a new, third individual. There are two types of propagation: sexual and asexual. Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants. Sorensen, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and Kate Garland, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.Īdapted with permission from UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardener’s Handbook.
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