Ann B.
08-01-2002, 10:08 PM
As Vicki and Glen in BC discussed in a prior post, it is quite gratifying to start plants from seed. Here in zone 8, you can plant seed for annuals up until about July, and usually do have to start some later because they are so short lived, go to seed, start getting scraggly and die.
Because of our long growing season, we usually have to plant many annuals 2-3 times to keep them looking showy and healthy. It's a lot of work and worth it if you are willing to try.
But for me, August and September are the times that I like to start many perennial seeds. In late September, early October, I usually start petunia and pansy from seeds.
There are basically 4 primary reasons for growing plants from seed. They are:
1) Finding the right variety
2) Finding the right quantity
3) Finding them when you need them
4) No introduced disease
Some of the most common reasons why seeds do not germinate or die in early infancy is because of improper watering. In general, seeds are in a dormant stage until you plant them and provide them with ample moisture. Then one of two basic problems can occur.
1) Too little moisture causes the developing embryo to dry up and die
2) Too much moisture and the wrong conditions. will cause 'Damping Off'
To prevent the first, too little moisture from occuring, simply enclose the potted seed in a plastic bag creating a greenhouse effect and give the seed the required amount of light, but keep out of direct sunlight for this will cook the seedlings.
To prevent the Damping Off fungal disease, you need to insure the following:
1) Use clean or treated seed
2) Warm temperatures (as required, 24 hours a day unless otherwise noted)
3) Good drainage and proper aeration
4) Plant in sterile containers
5) Use sterile potting mixes
Since Damping Off is a fungal disease, keeping your environment for the seeds and seedlings sterile is critical. The disease, once established will quickly spread, so if you see signs of damping off, discard the soil and the seedling and sterilize the area and the containers if they are to be reused.
When collecting your own seeds, be sure to allow them ample time to dry out. Some seeds are not very viable and should not even be allowed to dry out, but that is not the norm. Once you allow them to dry in the open air, you can store them in a paper bag or envelope out of direct light. The temperature for storage depends on the specific seed and how long you wish to store them.
If you find seed that you have previously collected and stored and they have mold on them, then most likely they did not dry out well enough before storing them.
You can use plastic bags to store seeds if you are sure they have dried well enough, but make sure there is nothing in the bag, like leaves, stems or remnants of seed pods that contain any trace of moisture.
So, why do I like starting from seed? Primarily it is to get the variety that I want, at the quantity and price that I want them, and once I have them, I can propagate them.
So, gather up those seed packets, study up on their planting requirements and decide which can be planted now and start making preparations.
It's that time of the year, My Favorite Time...
Enjoy!
Because of our long growing season, we usually have to plant many annuals 2-3 times to keep them looking showy and healthy. It's a lot of work and worth it if you are willing to try.
But for me, August and September are the times that I like to start many perennial seeds. In late September, early October, I usually start petunia and pansy from seeds.
There are basically 4 primary reasons for growing plants from seed. They are:
1) Finding the right variety
2) Finding the right quantity
3) Finding them when you need them
4) No introduced disease
Some of the most common reasons why seeds do not germinate or die in early infancy is because of improper watering. In general, seeds are in a dormant stage until you plant them and provide them with ample moisture. Then one of two basic problems can occur.
1) Too little moisture causes the developing embryo to dry up and die
2) Too much moisture and the wrong conditions. will cause 'Damping Off'
To prevent the first, too little moisture from occuring, simply enclose the potted seed in a plastic bag creating a greenhouse effect and give the seed the required amount of light, but keep out of direct sunlight for this will cook the seedlings.
To prevent the Damping Off fungal disease, you need to insure the following:
1) Use clean or treated seed
2) Warm temperatures (as required, 24 hours a day unless otherwise noted)
3) Good drainage and proper aeration
4) Plant in sterile containers
5) Use sterile potting mixes
Since Damping Off is a fungal disease, keeping your environment for the seeds and seedlings sterile is critical. The disease, once established will quickly spread, so if you see signs of damping off, discard the soil and the seedling and sterilize the area and the containers if they are to be reused.
When collecting your own seeds, be sure to allow them ample time to dry out. Some seeds are not very viable and should not even be allowed to dry out, but that is not the norm. Once you allow them to dry in the open air, you can store them in a paper bag or envelope out of direct light. The temperature for storage depends on the specific seed and how long you wish to store them.
If you find seed that you have previously collected and stored and they have mold on them, then most likely they did not dry out well enough before storing them.
You can use plastic bags to store seeds if you are sure they have dried well enough, but make sure there is nothing in the bag, like leaves, stems or remnants of seed pods that contain any trace of moisture.
So, why do I like starting from seed? Primarily it is to get the variety that I want, at the quantity and price that I want them, and once I have them, I can propagate them.
So, gather up those seed packets, study up on their planting requirements and decide which can be planted now and start making preparations.
It's that time of the year, My Favorite Time...
Enjoy!