GERMINATION Techniques

The Hollyberry Lady · 04-19-2011, 01:15 PM

It's the time of year for seed sprouting once again, and I thought this thread could be a collection of tips and techniques for successful germination of your seeds...

* First of all, starting with a good STERILE, light & well-draining potting mix, will pretty much guarantee your success.

I add some of my sterile Sunshine mix to a little 4" pot and I wet the soil down and let it drain in the kitchen sink, before I sow my seeds.

Then I use a pencil to make a little dent in the soil, where I add one seed and cover it over. Keep in mind that just one small seed will grow into a big mature plant, so don't sow too many, unless you want tons of plants.

I usually make three dents in each little pot and sow three seeds in each of them, placing one in the very middle of the pot, then I cover it over. This way, I can make sure I get at least one sprout for my efforts. If I get three sprouts, then I just thin them, and keep only the strongest and most vigorously growing seedling to remain in the pot.

It's best to sow the seed at the correct depth, so following seed packet instructions is a good idea. Generally though, seeds should be covered with soil, about 2-3 times their thickness.

I then use a mist bottle to mist the soil where my seeds have been sown, to make sure they are moistened but not washed away or moved, from a hard gush of water. Misting is what many greenhouses use to germinate their seeds, and it's been proven that seeds actually sprout quicker when misted regularily. I've been doing it for years.

Most seeds like to be warm in order to germinate, but some, like strawberry seeds, prefer a cool atmosphere to successfully sprout in.

If the seeds are covered, this indicates that no light is needed for them to germinate. However, if the seeds are sown on top of the soil, this means light is needed for them to sprout.

Be sure your soil & seeds don't dry out before they come up. If they do, it will likely mean re-sowing because they dry out and are destroyed. Back and forth wetting and drying doesn't work when trying to germinate seeds. Keeping the soil consistenly moist and never allowing it to dry out, is the best way to get your seeds up and growing with success.

Most seeds like to be warm while germinating but once the little sprouts are up, you can keep them a little cooler and stop misting as often. Be sure to keep your little seedlings well watered though, especially in the sun. Make sure they get good light but are not burned from intense sunshine and heat.

I will add to this thread over time, and others should feel free to contribute some of their own seed-sprouting suggestions also...

: )

Dreaminofthetropics · 04-19-2011, 01:26 PM

I have found with alot of hard coat seeds such as canna and lotus that it helps to nick them and soak them in water until they sprout. I do this with other seeds as well such as morning glory and castor beans and it helps my germination rate quite a bit

Kat

The Hollyberry Lady · 04-19-2011, 03:37 PM

Yup, and some seeds liked to be nicked or filed..like Nelumbo seeds. It helps them sprout better and quicker, letting moisture inside.

Some seeds too, require a cold-stratification period, like carnivorous seeds. I use my fridge for this.

: )

Jananas Bananas · 04-19-2011, 03:48 PM

AND then there are the ACCIDENTAL germinations!!!!

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady · 04-19-2011, 03:57 PM

I love accidental ones JaNan.

I once had one sprout in behind my kitchen sink taps!!!

They leaked, so it was always moist!

One day I was doing the dishes and noticed this little tiny seedling peeking up from behind the taps. I was so shocked. It turned out to be a hot pepper seedling.

: )

Jananas Bananas · 04-19-2011, 04:11 PM

Well Sherry, those were your gold trailing tomato seeds. Thank goodness I still have plenty of tomatoes to start over. I have about 30 of the little boogers all wagging there little grow tails!

I'll give Jamie and Carrie some and start some new plants myself.

~J

The Hollyberry Lady · 04-19-2011, 04:30 PM

Cool, JaNan.

Ok so back to germination techniques....

Some folks like to sprout their seeds in moist paper towels, placed in baggies or containers. This can work too but I like the textured paper towels best of all. They cushion the seed better and surround it with little walls of moisture. Make sure the towel is moist, not soaking wet.

Also too, the seedlings will need light after they sprout in the paper towel so be sure to plant them quickly in soil, after germination occurs.

: )

Jananas Bananas · 04-19-2011, 04:52 PM

Sorry, accidental derailment!

Here's some Musa Velutina seeds I sprouted in a baggy:

~J

Dreaminofthetropics · 04-19-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jananas Bananas

Sorry, accidental derailment!

Here's some Musa Velutina seeds I sprouted in a baggy:

~J

Those are awesome! Were those your own seeds or did you purchase them? Did you just put them in a sandwich baggie?

Jananas Bananas · 04-19-2011, 08:27 PM

Yes, Kat - I just put them in a baggy with a little bit of water. I did not intend to leave them in there that long, but thought it was interesting.

They were really fresh seeds that I got from a member here for postage.

~J

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-06-2011, 04:14 PM

Anyone ever used rockwool cubes? I haven't but would like to try them.

I bought this coco peat "brick" the other day that looked kinda cool for germinating seeds or for whatever someone wants to use it for. It's made of 100% natural coco husks...

The "bricks" are heavy and apparently they make over 8 litres of growing medium!!! I thought I could use them at me new place, for germinating stuff in.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-24-2011, 10:35 AM

Last year I germinated key lime seeds in soil and they took about a week and 1/2.

Right now I'm trying to germinate some in moist papertowels, so we'll see how it works out.

Citrus seeds should be sown fresh from the fruits and not allowed to dry out, like other seeds require.

We'll see if they pop and how long it takes...

: )

Dreaminofthetropics · 10-24-2011, 06:46 PM

I ordered some cold weather vegetables and was wondering has anyone started any veggies from seed such as lettuce, kale, broccoli, carrots, beets??? If so any suggestions?

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-28-2011, 06:36 PM

Easy as pie!

Just use some quality well-draining soil and follow the sowing instructions on the seed packets. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, until you see sprouts. Good choices to start with for beginners wanting to get some germination experience.

Carrots grow better in pots than they do in the garden, because there are no rocks to obstruct their growth. Broccoli dislikes being transplanted so I'd plant it in the place it will remain until it matures. Kale grows wonderfully in containers also and if you have a cool sunporch for over the winter, this is ideal.

Good luck!

: )

04-19-2011, 01:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	GERMINATION Techniques It's the time of year for seed sprouting once again, and I thought this thread could be a collection of tips and techniques for successful germination of your seeds... *** First of all, starting with a good STERILE, light & well-draining potting mix, will pretty much guarantee your success. I add some of my sterile Sunshine mix to a little 4" pot and I wet the soil down and let it drain in the kitchen sink, before I sow my seeds. Then I use a pencil to make a little dent in the soil, where I add one seed and cover it over. Keep in mind that just one small seed will grow into a big mature plant, so don't sow too many, unless you want tons of plants. I usually make three dents in each little pot and sow three seeds in each of them, placing one in the very middle of the pot, then I cover it over. This way, I can make sure I get at least one sprout for my efforts. If I get three sprouts, then I just thin them, and keep only the strongest and most vigorously growing seedling to remain in the pot. It's best to sow the seed at the correct depth, so following seed packet instructions is a good idea. Generally though, seeds should be covered with soil, about 2-3 times their thickness. I then use a mist bottle to mist the soil where my seeds have been sown, to make sure they are moistened but not washed away or moved, from a hard gush of water. Misting is what many greenhouses use to germinate their seeds, and it's been proven that seeds actually sprout quicker when misted regularily. I've been doing it for years. Most seeds like to be warm in order to germinate, but some, like strawberry seeds, prefer a cool atmosphere to successfully sprout in. If the seeds are covered, this indicates that no light is needed for them to germinate. However, if the seeds are sown on top of the soil, this means light is needed for them to sprout.** Be sure your soil & seeds don't dry out before they come up. If they do, it will likely mean re-sowing because they dry out and are destroyed. Back and forth wetting and drying doesn't work when trying to germinate seeds. Keeping the soil consistenly moist and never allowing it to dry out, is the best way to get your seeds up and growing with success. Most seeds like to be warm while germinating but once the little sprouts are up, you can keep them a little cooler and stop misting as often. Be sure to keep your little seedlings well watered though, especially in the sun. Make sure they get good light but are not burned from intense sunshine and heat. I will add to this thread over time, and others should feel free to contribute some of their own seed-sprouting suggestions also... : )

04-19-2011, 01:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dreaminofthetropics Dreaminofthetropics's Photo Gallery Location: Bronson, FL Zone: 8-9 Name: Kat Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 424 BananaBucks : 109,821 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 422 Times Was Thanked 549 Times in 173 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 29 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques I have found with alot of hard coat seeds such as canna and lotus that it helps to nick them and soak them in water until they sprout. I do this with other seeds as well such as morning glory and castor beans and it helps my germination rate quite a bit Kat __________________ Kat Check out my website http://www.ilovemyplants.com Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana. Bill Gates

04-19-2011, 03:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Yup, and some seeds liked to be nicked or filed..like Nelumbo seeds. It helps them sprout better and quicker, letting moisture inside. Some seeds too, require a cold-stratification period, like carnivorous seeds. I use my fridge for this. : )

04-19-2011, 03:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jananas Bananas Jananas Bananas's Photo Gallery Location: Austin, Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b/9a Name: JaNan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4,438 BananaBucks : 405,037 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,341 Times Was Thanked 7,059 Times in 2,683 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 133 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques AND then there are the ACCIDENTAL germinations!!!! ~JaNan __________________ Jananas Bananas

04-19-2011, 03:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques I love accidental ones JaNan. I once had one sprout in behind my kitchen sink taps!!! They leaked, so it was always moist! One day I was doing the dishes and noticed this little tiny seedling peeking up from behind the taps. I was so shocked. It turned out to be a hot pepper seedling. : )

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04-19-2011, 04:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jananas Bananas Jananas Bananas's Photo Gallery Location: Austin, Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b/9a Name: JaNan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4,438 BananaBucks : 405,037 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,341 Times Was Thanked 7,059 Times in 2,683 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 133 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Well Sherry, those were your gold trailing tomato seeds. Thank goodness I still have plenty of tomatoes to start over. I have about 30 of the little boogers all wagging there little grow tails! I'll give Jamie and Carrie some and start some new plants myself. ~J __________________ Jananas Bananas

04-19-2011, 04:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Cool, JaNan. Ok so back to germination techniques.... Some folks like to sprout their seeds in moist paper towels, placed in baggies or containers. This can work too but I like the textured paper towels best of all. They cushion the seed better and surround it with little walls of moisture. Make sure the towel is moist, not soaking wet. Also too, the seedlings will need light after they sprout in the paper towel so be sure to plant them quickly in soil, after germination occurs. : )

04-19-2011, 04:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jananas Bananas Jananas Bananas's Photo Gallery Location: Austin, Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b/9a Name: JaNan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4,438 BananaBucks : 405,037 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,341 Times Was Thanked 7,059 Times in 2,683 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 133 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Sorry, accidental derailment! Here's some Musa Velutina seeds I sprouted in a baggy: ~J __________________ Jananas Bananas

04-19-2011, 08:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jananas Bananas Jananas Bananas's Photo Gallery Location: Austin, Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b/9a Name: JaNan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4,438 BananaBucks : 405,037 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,341 Times Was Thanked 7,059 Times in 2,683 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 133 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Yes, Kat - I just put them in a baggy with a little bit of water. I did not intend to leave them in there that long, but thought it was interesting. They were really fresh seeds that I got from a member here for postage. ~J __________________ Jananas Bananas

05-06-2011, 04:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Anyone ever used rockwool cubes? I haven't but would like to try them. I bought this coco peat "brick" the other day that looked kinda cool for germinating seeds or for whatever someone wants to use it for. It's made of 100% natural coco husks... The "bricks" are heavy and apparently they make over 8 litres of growing medium!!! I thought I could use them at me new place, for germinating stuff in. : )

10-24-2011, 10:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Last year I germinated key lime seeds in soil and they took about a week and 1/2. Right now I'm trying to germinate some in moist papertowels, so we'll see how it works out. Citrus seeds should be sown fresh from the fruits and not allowed to dry out, like other seeds require. We'll see if they pop and how long it takes... : )

10-24-2011, 06:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
Dreaminofthetropics Dreaminofthetropics's Photo Gallery Location: Bronson, FL Zone: 8-9 Name: Kat Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 424 BananaBucks : 109,821 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 422 Times Was Thanked 549 Times in 173 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 29 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques I ordered some cold weather vegetables and was wondering has anyone started any veggies from seed such as lettuce, kale, broccoli, carrots, beets??? If so any suggestions? __________________ Kat Check out my website http://www.ilovemyplants.com Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana. Bill Gates

10-28-2011, 06:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,225 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: GERMINATION Techniques Easy as pie! Just use some quality well-draining soil and follow the sowing instructions on the seed packets. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, until you see sprouts. Good choices to start with for beginners wanting to get some germination experience. Carrots grow better in pots than they do in the garden, because there are no rocks to obstruct their growth. Broccoli dislikes being transplanted so I'd plant it in the place it will remain until it matures. Kale grows wonderfully in containers also and if you have a cool sunporch for over the winter, this is ideal. Good luck! : )

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