Seed Germination and Growth Spencer Horticulture Curriculum 2011

Seed Production Sexual Process Pollination: Union of: Pollen: Male sex cell Egg: Female sex cell Cross Pollination: separate plants Self Pollination: same plants

The Seed Seed Coat: Outer covering Endosperm: Food Storage Tissue Embryo: Undeveloped Plant

Corn Seed Anatomy

Germination: Monocot C: Hypocotyl: Seed to first node D: Radical: First root First Leaves

Corn Seed Germination

Germination: Dicot E: Hypocotyl: radicle to first node C/B: Radicle: First root D: Epicotyl: Above first node (growing point)

Dicot Germination

Germination: Dicot H: First Leaf: True Leaves G: Seed Leaves F: Epicotyl (growing point) Notice Tap Root F

Germination: Dicot

Seed Selection Right seed for the area Germination and Purity Pure Live Seed = Germination * Purity Seed that… Has Vigor: active growth Is Uniform: consistent crop Heavyweight/Primed

Germination Media pH = right for plant (6-7.5) Fertile (plant nutrients) Uniform texture Sterile: pest free (weeds, insects, diseases) Porous = good drainage

Germination Media Soil Organic Matter 5% Minerals 45% Air 25% Water 25%

Germination Media Construction Grade Sand Porous: provides drainage Poor fertility Peat Moss Partially decomposed vegetation Good water holding capacity

Germination Media Sphagnum Peat Moss Dehydrated vegetation remains Relatively sterile and light weight Excellent water holding capacity Perlite Gray/White material Volcanic origin Provides drainage and aeration

Germination Media Vermiculite Light weight; expands when heated Neutral pH Good water holding capacity Jiffy Mix Equal mix of: Sphagnum peat moss, peat moss, Vermiculite, plus essential nutrients

Germination Media General purpose 1/3 Soil 1/3 Perlite 1/3 Peat Moss Sterilized 180 degrees F for 30 minutes Infertile Nutrients must be supplemented

Sowing Seed Indirect seeding Seed is sown separate from place of maturity Transplanted at least once before reaching permanent growing area Factors Timing: target sales date Proper seeding: depth/placement Proper labeling: Name, Variety, Date

Germination Watering Capillary action is best Water is drawn up through flat Avoids washing out seed Avoids burying seed too deep Temperature Bottom heat needed (65-70 degrees) Retain humidity: covered w/clear plastic

Transplanting Timing After first true leaves form Cotyledons: seed leaves True leaves: form above cotyledons Procedure Hold seedlings by true leaves Avoid bruising = plant death Retain soil media Root exposure = drying out

Summary Describe self vs. cross pollination Describe monocot vs. dicot Examples of monocots & dicots Describe monocot germination Describe dicot germination Soil media ingredients General purpose soil

Summary Indirect vs. direct seeding Sterilization procedure Best watering practice Germination requirements Transplanting procedure