Sexual plant propagation

Propagation of plants from seeds w Composition of seeds w Seed coat- outside covering which protects embryonic plant w endosperm- stored plants food, and nourishes embryonic plant during germination

Propagation of plants from seeds w embryo (embryonic plant)- a new plant that is developed as a result of fertilization, and during germination it extends its roots and seed leaves (cotyledons) to form a new plant.

Propagation of plants from seeds w Germination media w favorable pH w supply of plant nutrients w firm and porous w sterile and free from foreign materials

Indirect seeding w Seeds sown in a separate place from where they will eventually grow to maturity w Transplanted one or more times before reaching permanent growing area

Flats w made of: wood, plastic, and metal w have drainage holes in bottom w seeds generally sown in rows. w * we will use flats with individual pots

When to seed w important in business to have saleable product ready at market time

Sowing seeds w follow package directions to determine planting distance w cover with sprinkling of moist sphagnum or peat moss w label:name, variety, and date sown

Watering w water from bottom w if watering from top be careful to avoid washing seed out or too deeply into soil

Germination w degrees soil temperature w retain humidity w cover with glass or plastic

Germination w some seeds require three days of darkness prior to germination w cover with newspaper instead of glass

Germination w water with a fine mist or from the bottom

Transplanting seedlings w following germination plants develop seed leaves - cotyledons w allow plant to grow until first true leaves are present before transplanting

Transplanting seedlings w hold seedlings by true leaves not by the stem with thumb and forefinger w bruised stem could cause plant death

Transplanting seedlings w dont shake off media from roots w can cause them to dry out too much

Transplanting seedlings w plant about 2 inched apart w insert at depth a little deeper than they were grown before w gently press media around roots w water with gentle stream to settle soil around roots

Direct seeding w planting seeds directly into the permanent growing area w most economical w media-soil w prepare by loosening soil and removing all large clumps

Direct seeding w add manure, grass clippings, or compost to improve soil structure w chemical treatment w disease prevention w insect prevention

Direct seeding w Germination Requirement w same as indirect seeding.

Treatments of seed for Germination w Same seed wont readily germinate w soak in water or acid bath to soften seed coat w scratch with sand paper w allows water into seed

Treatments of seed for Germination w dormant stage w moist and cold below 37 F w bury in moist sand and keep cool w refrigerate

Treatments of seed for Germination w Alternate wetting and drying w Presence of light w Darkness w Follow package instructions w Fire or extreme heat- Jack Pine