Propagation by seed

I feel that the propagatin of plants is one of the most interesting and one of the most important phases of gardening. There are two methods of plant propagatin, one is by seed (the sexual method) and the other is by cuttings or other vegetative reproduction (the asexual method). I will be discussing propagating by seed (the sexual method). I feel that sowing of the seed is generally the easiest and the most natural method. The advantage is that most seeds are very cheap, you can buy in large numbers, and they are free from disease and can be treated before purchase for infection. Now the disadvantage is that they are not always true to type as in the other method of propagation when you are makng another plant from the parent plant. Another drawback is that seeds sometiems are too vigorous in vegetative growth and sometimes seeds are hard to germinate, but for the most part I still prefer to propagate with seeds.

Now the requirements for propagating the seed in germination are live seed, warmth, moisture and air. With the live seed be sure to buy only fresh seeds, don't use seed that you have had stored for years as the quality of the plants will not be as good as fresh seed. In certain plants the seed has to be fresh such as the Primrose and Delphinium. Some seeds will retain their vitality if kep hermetically sealed at a low temperature for years, but it is just easier to purchase fresh seed when needed.

Too much moisture can cause porous seeds to decay.

You must have air present in the soil, light, porous soil not only contains air, but is a good growing medium for tiny roots.

Now food is not needed for germination, the seeds can be sprouted on such mediums as moistened blotting paper or wet bricks as they contain enough food to grow until the first true leaves have been formed, after that they have to draw food from the soil, I always start my seeds in soil.

To hasten germination some seeds will need special treatmnet such as Cannas, Moon flowers, Morning Glories and others with hard coats, they will just lie dormant a long time unless you soak these seeds overnight but placing in the soil to germinate.

Some seeds of trees, shrubs and alpines require a treatment known as stratification by placing them in layers of sand covered with leaves, soil or straw. With Dogwood, the pulp is removed from the outer part of the seed and the seed is placed in damp peat moss in a refrigerator for four months before planting. Many hardy annuals require long, cold, dark periods in which to germinate. These do well if they are sown outdoors in the late fall or early springs, examples are Larkspur, Calendulas, Mignonette, Nicotiana, Cornflowers and most poppies.

Now don't think that because I have told you about certain seeds that require more time, more work and certain conditions that the average flower or garden seed won't germinate in your light porous soil as it will and you have lots of seedlings for planting in your garden and in your flower beds.