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View Full Version : Seed Success - What Method Did You Use and What Kind of Seeds (any)


Jananas Bananas
11-04-2009, 07:11 PM
I have been successful sprouting a variety of seeds, but in the hardening off process I usually lose them. Please share your methods and pictures if you have them - any and all plants. Miss Hollyberry Lady inspired me to try again and suggested sowing the seeds in the environment that they will be grown in.

Here are some pictures of mine that are still alive (knock on wood):

This is an avocado grown from seed planted directly in the soil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26199&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26199&ppuser=5614)

This is also an avocado sown directly in the pot. The leaves on this one are as long as my forearm from my wrist to the elbow. It was planted at the same time the smaller first one was.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26198&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26198&ppuser=5614)

Mango seed grown started in a moist paper towel in a baggie then moved to soil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26196&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26196&ppuser=5614)

Jigsaw Variegated Pepper seeds sown directly into soil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26197&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26197&ppuser=5614)

Black Pearl Pepper seeds sown directly into soil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26193&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26193&ppuser=5614)

This is a Sapodilla tree sent to me in a trade off GardenWeb. The lady sent me 5 seeds - I only got one to sprout, and is still living.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26194&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26194&ppuser=5614)

This is a Royal Poincana tree sent to me in a trade off GardenWeb. The lady sent me 6 or 8 seeds - I got two to sprout, and one is still living.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=26195&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=26195&ppuser=5614)

Advice, comments, recommendations are welcome! :drum: ~JaNan

Abnshrek
11-04-2009, 07:38 PM
I'm still waiting on ym banana's (seed). I have 2 Canary Island date Palms I germinated in may.. one had 4 lil leaves.. lol

conejov
11-04-2009, 08:07 PM
While this might seem ridiculous but I never thought of Trying to Sprout them in the conditions they are going to be living in. I've always used special Coir soil and wrapped them to make it like a little greenhouse. But Now that I remember I sprouted my Mango and Avocado by just putting it in a pot with soil and watering it enough to be moist like a sponge.

Jananas Bananas
11-04-2009, 08:22 PM
I know! It's not really anything I thought about either! I always got the little seed starter trays with the clear lids to make the little "greenhouse". Special grow lights, bottom heat, you name it I tried it. None, I repeat None of mine ever made it. And I CAN grow things! :ha:

Abnshrek
11-04-2009, 10:13 PM
I put the Canary Island D Palms in the closet elevated near my water heater til they sprouted.

bikoro child
11-05-2009, 02:27 AM
If you can use google translator read this:
LE FORUM DES FOUS DE PALMIERS - Afficher le sujet - Nouvelle méthode de semis... (http://fousdepalmiers.fr/html/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4598)
and this:
LE FORUM DES FOUS DE PALMIERS - Afficher le sujet - Reportage photos...les semis et la germination des palmiers (http://fousdepalmiers.fr/html/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1747)

Jananas Bananas
11-05-2009, 08:41 AM
Bikoro Child those are great links. I love all the detail and the pictures. Google translator works pretty well. Thank you! ~JaNan

momoese
11-05-2009, 09:40 AM
I've been broadcasting lettuce and various greens seeds for ages. Works great.

Jananas Bananas
11-05-2009, 07:37 PM
Anyone else?

bikoro child
11-07-2009, 04:10 AM
3 alloxylons are sprouting today at home
Sorry I've a technical problem for posting the pic which is in my gallery...

MjdTexan
11-07-2009, 12:05 PM
The only seeds that I have saved are okra seeds. Okra good. I have some if yall want some. PM W/address

Abnshrek
11-07-2009, 01:21 PM
There's nothing wrong with some good okra.. now yah here.. lol

wordwiz
11-08-2009, 10:48 AM
I have not tried bananas yet - just ordered some this week - but have germinated hundreds of tomato, pepper, basil, bean and flower seeds.

My son works in a restaurant kitchen and he brings leftover food home in those plastic to-go trays, the ones with a lid. I drill small holes in the bottom and add about an inch of Ferti-loam Premier potting mix. Using a tweezer, I place the seeds just barely in the mix, then cover with about 1/4 mix, usually sifting it to make sure there are no large pieces.

The tray then goes in a tub of water and the mix is completely saturated, to the point of seeing water sitting in it. The tray is removed, the lid closed, and it gets set on the top of my grow chamber (which has 105-watt CFL bulbs). I usually remove the lid once a day so any moisture can drain off. Almost always, the seeds will sprout in 4-5 days, sometimes three.

Once the first seedling appears, the lid is removed and the tray goes under lights. I use Tomato-tone fertilizer, diluting it one tablespoon per gallon of water. When the mix starts to dry out, I bottom water, again until the soil is wet.

When the seedlings get close to three inches tall, I transplant them into nursery-type flats. To prepare the containers, I fill them with potting mix, stick them in the tub of water and make sure the mix is packed. Once completely soaked, the flats are removed and set to dry for a day.

Using my finger, I poke a hole in the soil in the flat containers, gently pull up a plant from the seedling tray, stick it in the hole and press the potting mix around it. Repeat for the other cells in the flat. When it is full, it goes back in the tub for another soaking (which helps the roots settle in better). After draining, back into the grow chamber and under the lights.

After that, I only water when the plants start getting stressed and always bottom water. But unlike the first stages, I try not to allow the top of the mix to get wet. This helps keep the plants from damping off.

About two weeks before I am ready to sell/plant the seedlings, I start hardening them off. My backyard is sort of strange. Thanks to the house, a shed, a neighbor's house and some huge trees, I can set the trays where they will get about an hour of morning sun, a couple hours of shade, a couple hours of sunlight, then shade for the rest of the day. After a week of this, they get moved to where they get about 10 hours of sunlight and plenty of wind a day.

Can't say I have 100 percent success but the rate of surviving plants is in the very high 90s.

HTH,

Mike

Jananas Bananas
11-08-2009, 12:20 PM
Mike that is very interesting. I would have never guessed soaking like that. :eek: So you don't have any problems in the hardening off stage? Or with wind? Do you have any pictures? ~JaNan

sunfish
03-20-2010, 11:09 AM
I've had the best result staring my seed on top of the water heater
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30313&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30313&ppuser=2868)

and in my van
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30312&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30312&ppuser=2868)

and on top of the water heater cabinet
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30314&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30314&ppuser=2868)

in the greenhouse
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30311&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30311&ppuser=2868)

outside on warm days
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30315&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30315&ppuser=2868)

Dalmatiansoap
03-20-2010, 02:30 PM
Or if You are in a lack of van as I am U can use computer monitors or old TV
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30325&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30325&ppuser=4565)
Now U can see why I hate LCD screens:ha::ha::ha:
:woohoonaner:

Patty in Wisc
03-20-2010, 02:50 PM
Those are all great ideas!

Dean W.
03-20-2010, 03:04 PM
It depends on the weather. This year and years past when to cool, I'll start inside.

kemistry
03-20-2010, 03:34 PM
i've started an avocado using toothpick/glass water submersion method. It rooted in 4 months. Now growing nicely.

I have two jackfruits that i just sowed directly into the potting mix.

Now i just use the ziplock method since it's more convenient and doesn't take up much room. I place it on my internet dsl modem for bottom heat.

I'll post pictures of them later.

Jack Daw
03-20-2010, 07:24 PM
Thanks for the links, bikoro! They really are helpful.
So that nobody has to do this linking and translating again, here are the direct translations of bikoro's links:
Google Preložiť (http://translate.google.sk/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=sk&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffousdepalmiers.fr%2Fhtml%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php% 3Ff%3D14%26t%3D4598&sl=fr&tl=en)
Google Preložiť (http://translate.google.sk/translate?hl=sk&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffousdepalmiers.fr%2Fhtml%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php% 3Ff%3D14%26t%3D1747)

Ante, I guess it won't be possible with the OLED monitor I want to buy soon, right? ;)

Henry
03-21-2010, 01:08 AM
Does anybody try to germinate sugar apple seeds? I use almost the exact method like the original poster. I soaked them for a few days until they all sinked then inserted them in those little mossy cups they're selling at HD. I then put these cups in a clear plastic container, sealed it with clear plastic wraps, then put on top of my heater; I'm guessing the interior temp of the container is about 85F. It has been over 30days now and nothing happen, I did not scar the shell of the seeds btw, should I've done that? Thanks for all advices.

Henry.

Scuba_Dave
03-21-2010, 09:20 AM
I've saved the plastic 6 paks when I buy plants, actually I save all the plastic
I then re-use them with potting soil to start my seeds every year
I also save my wife's yogurt cups & use them too
Cut off 2l bottoms make a good container too
But since we have a a 5c bottle deposit I usually use a bottle that does not have a deposit

sunfish
03-21-2010, 10:03 AM
I've saved the plastic 6 paks when I buy plants, actually I save all the plastic
I then re-use them with potting soil to start my seeds every year
I also save my wife's yogurt cups & use them too
Cut off 2l bottoms make a good container too
But since we have a a 5c bottle deposit I usually use a bottle that does not have a deposit

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30397&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30397&ppuser=2868)

Tony O
03-21-2010, 11:18 AM
:bananas_b
I save the plastic 6 packs too. I also take used styrofoam coffee cups and poke a dranage hole in the bottom with a pencil. Then I can plant seeds, cuttings, or seedlings in them. When it's time to remove them for re-planting, if they don't dump out easy, just tare the cups off the plant. With some seedlings, like veggies, I leave the top inch or so and remove the bottom part. That makes a good cut worm barrier and will hold extra water till the roots take hold in the soil.
:waving:
Another thing. If you plant something that sends down a long tap root, I've cut the flat bottom off and set the cup on another larger cup or pot full of soil. I always use that method when planting Sable palm seeds.
:02:

Dalmatiansoap
03-21-2010, 11:49 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30397&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30397&ppuser=2868)

Hahaha, this looks like a Global problem:ha::ha::ha:
Same here:ha:

Jack Daw
03-21-2010, 12:47 PM
Hahaha, this looks like a Global problem:ha::ha::ha:
Same here:ha:
Man, so much yoghurt would kill me. :D
Bikoro, I put some seeds in a plastic box just like in that forum you sent us link for. Let's see wheather it works without the soil as well...

sunfish
03-23-2010, 08:54 AM
CANNAS
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30415&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30415&ppuser=2868)


TIGERS CLAW CORAL TREE

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30414&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30414&ppuser=2868)

POPPY
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30413&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30413&ppuser=2868)

sbl
03-23-2010, 11:24 AM
I start a lot of my veggie seeds on a saucer with a moist paper towel covered with plastic wrap. As soon as I see roots, I transfer them to potting media--usually in the clear plastic clam shell containers that fruit comes in--like plums or strawberries. Once they get a little bigger I transfer them to yougurt cups to grow until planting.

For very small seeds like a lot of flower seeds, I often start them directly in the clear plastic clamshell containers and then transfer to yogurt cups or spread them out in another clamshell container.

I store all my seeds in the freezer and they last for years--the jalapeno seeds I used this yr are from 2005--they all sprouted.

One other nice trick I have found for small seeds--like snapdragon--is to pack the media, sprinkle the seeds, cover with a couple layers of newspaper and then wet the paper thoroughly. The paper will keep the surface moist and can be watered without disturbing the seeds--when the seeds sprout they will push the paper up and it can be removed.

sunfish
03-24-2010, 01:39 PM
My van is working great for germinating seed.Four hundred seed of about one hundred and fifty different kinds.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30450&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30450&ppuser=2868)

Dean W.
03-24-2010, 03:38 PM
Looks as though a few got inadvertently spilled during a van ride.:ha:

Good luck with the growth.

Patty in Wisc
03-24-2010, 06:20 PM
Watch those bumps Tony!:)
I just posted somewhere that I save Culvers plastic containers that they serve ice cream to go. It's clear plastic so you can see roots. The bottom & fitted top dome are 3 inches high.

sunfish
03-24-2010, 06:31 PM
Watch those bumps Tony!:)
I just posted somewhere that I save Culvers plastic containers that they serve ice cream to go. It's clear plastic so you can see roots. The bottom & fitted top dome are 3 inches high.

I need to do a better job of packing .

Westwood
03-24-2010, 09:11 PM
I used the Vcr and DVD players since they are always on for the birds and in a cabnet
Also in containers
Tammy

Abnshrek
03-24-2010, 10:32 PM
I germinated a bunch of palms (in a deep plastic dish w/ plastic wrap sealing it tight) on my water heater (Hottest room in my home) last spring, and worked great :^)

ewitte
03-25-2010, 02:13 PM
Outside and just popped in the dirt and watered each morning that it did not rain. 8 smarpots / 5 seeds sugar baby watermelon planted 3/13 (and there were a few nights that went back into the 30's..). Keeping 1 of the strongest per smartpot.

Nothing yesterday morning but when I got home about 28 of them had popped up at least 1 in each pot :) Actually the first time I didn't purchase the seeds. These seeds came from the watermelon I got last year. I only had 1 plant.

sunfish
04-21-2010, 03:09 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31012&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31012&ppuser=2868)

CORAL TREE

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31010&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31010&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31009&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31009&ppuser=2868)


LOQUAT

Scuba_Dave
04-21-2010, 08:00 PM
Method: let them fall from plant onto ground
Allow Mother Nature to start them growing
Lupines, Liatrias, Hosta's, Black eyed susans, white daises, pink/purplish daisies, hollyhocks, 3' tall phlox, bell flowers......plus more
and 1st time this year - Japanese Maple seedlings !!

Must have been an agreeable winter as I have seedlings all over the place
So many if fact that I will probably be weeding them out

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Perennial-seedlings5.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Perennial-seedlings.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx319/DIYChatroom/Yard%20and%20Plants/Perennial-seedlings3.jpg

Jack Daw
04-22-2010, 12:06 AM
If you can use google translator read this:
LE FORUM DES FOUS DE PALMIERS - Afficher le sujet - Nouvelle méthode de semis... (http://fousdepalmiers.fr/html/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4598)
and this:
LE FORUM DES FOUS DE PALMIERS - Afficher le sujet - Reportage photos...les semis et la germination des palmiers (http://fousdepalmiers.fr/html/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1747)
It's been almost month since I put the seeds to closed plastic boxes and let them be in a warm place. Several Jubaeas are starting to shoot. Wonderful and magical process to watch from the beginning til the end. ;)
Thanks, Ivan!