I planted some seeds and only a few
came up.
Several elements are essential for seeds to germinate. Water
is, of course, number one. But seeds
must also have an adequate supply of light, oxygen and the proper temperature
range. In a few cases seed need darkness
to germinate. Seeds can be buried too deep, or too close to the
surface where birds or wind may carry them away. This is often true of carrot seeds. Furthermore, the possibility of
disease, fungi and bacteria, in the ground can rot the newly planted
seeds.
Some seeds need special care. Certain ones have seed coats
which are extremely thick. Particular
care must be taken with these in order for the water to penetrate that
coat. Soaking in warm water is one
means. Seeds such as lupine, locust (Robinia) and others need to be scarified, which means they need to be
mechanically scratched in order for the water to penetrate. This may be done with common instruments like
sandpaper or a file. Soaking in hot
water is another means of scarification. Still other seeds will not germinate, or
break dormancy, unless they are exposed to a period of low temperatures and
moist conditions. Certain seeds germinate only after a fire. Not all seeds are
created equal.
Storing Seed
Store dry, clean seeds in an airtight container
marked with their name and date saved.
Store around 40 degrees F with low humidity. The refrigerator is a good place for
this. Seeds of many plants remain
viable for up to 5 years, if properly stored. Some plants like delphinium, onion and parsley, produce seeds that must
germinate immediately after they ripen or they lose their viability.
If you have old seeds, or seeds of questionable viability,
place some of them between a paper towel that is kept constantly moist and
between 65 and 70 degrees F. Check daily
for germination. If the rate is poor,
consider buying new seeds.
