Is there a standard for which seeds to soak and those that do not need it? Also do you "nick" some seeds and some you do not. Have never sowed a seed before. Have always planted plants. Totally confused. Help.
CLOSED: seeds
you make me laugh. i don't think there is a standard. lots of times if the seeds are big like morning glories or have a hard coat like morning glories people soak them to help them germinate faster. some people use hot water....not over 160 degrees i believe. my friend showed me that if you use the coffeemaker to heat the water that that is the right temp for the seeds because if it is too hot the seeds will be destroyed. but she tested her coffemaker with a thermometer before she did that. some people soak in tea or peroxide water. some people wet a paper towel and place the seed on the paper and put it inside a baggie and get them to germinate that way. but from what i have learned different seeds have different requirements. some seeds need to be super fresh. some will germinate at 70 degrees while others may not germinate unless it is really hot outside. some need cold treatment. some don't. some need cold, then hot and then maybe cold again. you try to mimic the nature where that particular seed is from.
tiny seeds like poppies are surface sown. i always direct sow these as they die lots of times if the root is damaged. salvia seeds need to be surface sown. tiny seeds are surface sown.
It does get confusing, doesnt it? If you buy the seeds, you can read the envelope, but if you trade for them, you'll have to go to a website like www.thompson-morgan.com or the Ontario Rock Garden Society http://www.onrockgarden.com/ for instructions.
Once you get the instructions, just write them right on the seed package, envelope or slip of paper in side the baggie, whatever, so you'll have them handy when the time comes.
Suzy
I rely heavily on Thompson & Morgan's Seed Germination Database. I keep a copy with my seeds, so I can refer to it quickly. It also details some of the sowing methods such as stratification, chipping, soaking, etc. It is kind of like my seed sowing bible :)
Although it is now out of print, it can be viewed at the following website:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/tm.html
Julie
Here's yet another
http://tomclothier.hort.net/index.html
Oh thank you everyone. It seems each one is different and I wanted it all to be a standard size fits all. I do have a catalog and I will keep it handy to refer to for each seed. That is really a clever way to do it. Who would know how to do it but (hopefully) people who sell the seeds?
Does nobody check DG's Plant Files? There can be found so much useful information, including the 'Comments' section. In my humble opinion it's the best source, because people from all kinds of zones add their experience.
Definitely, but many a plant's file doesn't mention any details about germination of seeds. Each of us should add what we know, though.
Yes, claypa, that's the idea. If the first person entering the data does not have the answer to one of the entries, it is left blank so another DGardener that knows the info can enter the data. Also, for example, if an X plant is said to grow 1' tall and I have a 2' tall plant, I write a message to the Administration and the info is added.
I am sure in no time all the other sources will consult the Plant Files for the most reliable information: for Gardeners from Gardeners! LOL
Here's one more website on germination: http://www.robsplants.com/seed/germination.php I use all of these websites because none of them cover all plants. But, I agree with Ursula, PlantFiles is getting there.