Propagation: Deno method, 3 by

wrote:
turningbasin
Hi, I am the one that started spreading the Deno seed sowing method here on Daves. It is the one I use 99% of the time, except for tiny seeds. It prevents oversowing and wasting seeds. It can be used for annuals and perennials. Best of all, this method will let you know exactly how many seedlings you will have as they sprout. The Deno method and the "wet towel" method is the same just called by a different name.

Here is How.
( For annuals, skip the fridge and just place the Deno bag at room temp (70F, or higher)

Most hardy perennial seeds require 3 weeks of stratification (moisture with cold temp) to improve germination. That makes the fridge perfect for the next step if sowing hardy perennials.

First, soak the seeds overnight in hand hot water to soften the seed coat and to remove some of the seed germination inhibitor present in the seed, or seed coat.

You can simulate nature using a damp kitchen paper towel. Cut it into ½, then ½ again. You will have 4 squares. Use one for each cultivar. Wet the square, and then squeeze out the excess water. You want the towel damp, not wet. Fold it in half. Place the seeds in the middle and fold one end over the seeds twice. Place this package into a small zip-lock bag (available in Walmart craft dept) with an Id label and zip it closed. Place in fridge for at least 2 to 3 weeks to stratify the seeds. After stratification time, move to room temp to germinate. I usually put the bag on top ot the fridge where it is warm. Check them frequently, and pot up any seeds that sprouted. Seedlings should begin to appear in 2-3 weeks, depending on the cultivar. Tardy seeds can be returned to the fridge for more stratification.

Sprouting time is a genetic factor. At this point, check the seeds every 2nd or 3rd day, starting after the 3rd day. As soon as seeds have formed a radical (tiny roots forming) use a tweezer to grasp the seed casing and transfer to seed flat or pot. Make a hole with a pencil and guide the root into the hole. Plant so the seed is 1/8" below the surface, 1" or more, apart. Be sure to place roots downwards in the hole. If the roots have grown into the paper towel, just tear around the roots and plant it. Do not try to remove the roots from the paper. The paper will eventually rot.

I plant the sprouting seed in a 6-pack, using seedling mix. I like Jiffy mix.It is made with very fine peatmoss and vermiculite. Perfect for tiny roots. Available in Wal-Mart,. The 6-packs are 6, 1” pots that are attached (see photo2). Also available in Walmart with a tray.

If when sprouted, it is difficult to see which is roots, and which is the top. In that case, place the seed on its side and cover. The roots will grow downwards by itself. Do not allow the roots to become too long before planting. The seeds can be planted as soon as germination is seen.

Until the sprouted seeds have broken through the soil, they do not need light. However, once they do, grow them in a sunny window, under light, or place the flat outside in a protected area if weather is warm.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle 2nd pair of leaves, pot them in a 3" pot. I use the 3" foam cups made for coffee. At this stage, seedlings can be potted in any good potting soil. A screwdriver will easily punch drainage holes in foam pots. The cups are cheap to buy at Wal-Mart. Plant outside when all danger of frost is past in your zone. In my zone 4, that is the end of May.

Harden them off before planting out. I place the pots in a large plastic bin with drainage holes and placed on the East side of my garage. I keep the cover ready incase of bad weather. After 1 week of morning sun, they are ready for planting in the garden, or border.

1] Columbine seeds sprouted in kitchen towel and prior to potting those that have sprouted.
2] Heliopsis planted in a 6-pack and growing.
3] Datura (White Moon flower) growing in a 3" foam mug to be planted outside end of May.
4] Sprouted seedlings can be planted in flats also as these had been. I ran out of 6-packs.
5] Seedlings placed in a clear plastic bin on the East side of my garage for mornings sun to be acclimated to weather before planting out. Cover will be used incase of rain.

For tiny or dustlike seeds I sow them in clear plastic container with fine peatmoss that is moistened. Gently pat down the seeds, cover and place in the fridge. Will germinate when brought out to room temp.

If you think about soil in the ground that will germinate seeds no matter how bad the soil is, tells me that it isn't so much the type of potting soil that successfully sprout seeds. The factors are temperature, how the seeds were stored, maturity of the seeds (harvest), and a built-in dormancy factor. All seeds have special needs. If those needs are not met, the seed will not sprout. It is natures way of assuring their survival.

,b>HINT: when a seed package states "need light to germinate" it does not mean it literally. It has been taken out of contex. It simpy means to surface sow (scatter on top) and lightly press seeds don't bury. It is usually stated for small or tiny seeds. Tiny or dustlike seeds would never reach the surface if covered. Larger seeds are usually covered.

Good potting soil is well draining yet holds moisture. It seems to be hard to find lately. Miracle-Gro and other brands have wood pieces in the mix. I swear I think they scrape it of the ground in wooded areas. It works, I have my seedlings in it. I don't like it. I used to mix peatmoss and perlite and add plant food. It makes for a perfect potting mix, also to root cuttings in. It is what commercial nurseries used to ship plants in before the 90's

Watering, place pot in a shallow container with 1" of water. Pour a bit of water on top to begin the syphoning action. Water will be drawn up from the bottom and penetrate the whole root ball.

If the potting soil is too dry, it will shrink away from the sides of the pot. You can figue where the water will run if ony watered from the top---along the sides without penetrating the root ball.
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Lastly, I will add that seeds that you harvest from your tomatoes, pepper, etc) will not come true from seeds, including flowers also. That is important to know if you want a specific type of tomato. I know this from my own experience. Only flowers that are native or non-hybrids will come true from seed. In other words, those that humans haven't fiddled with will come true.

Each seed that you harvest will produce a brand new and different variety never seen due to many generations of genes that were bred into the parent plant. Iris and daylilies are prime examples of that. It is how all the new and beautiful flowers are produced. They are hybrids.

To avoid disappointment, if you want a certain type of tomatoes, you are better off to get what you want when you purchase seeds from a seed company or store. That goes for green peppers also.
The popular tomato Early Girl is a hybrid.

Good luck and enjoy. Somewhere on Dave you will always get an answer to your questions.