Germination of seeds: conditions and timing. How to test pepper seeds for germination

With the onset of the first spring days, amateur gardeners are starting to think about their new crop. And do not just think about it, they are already beginning to act. After all, in this issue the main thing is not to miss the moment.

At the first stages, they begin to take care of the preparation of seedlings. At the same time, many ask themselves: how can we improve the germination of seeds? Far from all know the ways that will help achieve this. But in order to give an answer to this question, one must first understand what is germination.

The concept of germination

Under the germination of seeds is understood their ability to germinate and ensure the future harvest. In fact, it can be compared with health. This concept implies the general condition of each seed, its integrity and intactness, the strength and time required for germination.

Germination of seeds is usually expressed as a percentage. It is calculated as the ratio of the number of sprouted seeds to the total number. Do not expect that the germination rate will be equal to 100%. Shoots never give such a result. There are always up to 10% seeds that do not germinate. Such an indicator is considered very good.

Factors affecting germination

The percentage of seed germination depends on several factors. Among them are the following:

• Age of seeds. These two concepts are inversely related. The more the age of the seeds, the lower the germination. Therefore, the seeds that have been lying for a while, should be checked especially carefully.

• Shelf life. Different cultures have different expiration dates. In some, it does not exceed a year, others can reach 5 years. The least stored are the seeds of greenery (parsley, celery, dill and so on). But the seeds of tomatoes, cucumbers show a good germination, even after 4-5 years.

• The norm of germination of culture. In plants of different species, the established rate of germination also differs. For example, seeds of grain crops, beans, turnips show a germination rate of 90-95%. At the same time, the average position for germination (60-70%) is characteristic for beets, cabbage, tomatoes. Very low percentage of germination - in dill seeds, parsley. It is 35-55%.

• Storage conditions. The germination capacity of seeds will be higher if they are stored correctly. Do this in a dry room, where the temperature is within 10 degrees (not above room temperature). Store seeds in canvas bags.

In addition to the conditions described above, it was noted that the seeds collected personally are stored better than those purchased. And accordingly, it is better to germinate. Thus it is possible to be assured of the age of the seeds, their variety and safety.

How is it necessary to check the seeds?

You can check the germination of seeds of vegetables from February. At this time, usually test the seeds of vegetables. As for the flowers, their verification can last until the end of spring. This will depend on the time of planting the culture.

Seed preparation is the first step on the way to obtaining a good harvest. And to hold this stage is necessary in accordance with the rules:

• The packaging always indicates laboratory germination. This value characterizes the germination of seeds under ideal conditions. But in real life, this value is unattainable. To obtain a value corresponding to the field conditions, it is necessary to subtract up to 15 units.

• Check the date of packing, which is also indicated on the package. If the seeds were stored in a bag with foil, then the shelf life can be slightly extended.

• Carefully look at the encryption that is on the package. The label "F1" means that the seeds are distinguished by increased yield, stability. The designation in the form of the letter "B" indicates that the seeds were processed with oxygen in order to increase the percentage of germination.

These tips will help you get the seeds with the best performance.

Checking the germination at home

This stage of preparation for planting, let's look at an example. Let's see how to test the seeds of pepper for germination. First you need to calibrate them. Seeds in the package will not be the same. Of them, choose the largest, the heaviest. Empty, damaged, with specks can be thrown away.

Next, you need to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 4-5%. For this, a teaspoon of salt is diluted in 1 liter of water. This solution drops the selected seeds of pepper and leave there for about 2 hours. During this time, bad seeds will surface, and suitable for use will sink to the bottom. Those that surfaced can be thrown away. The rest is washed with salt and dried.

A more accurate picture can be learned in another way. To do this, you need to wet a piece of gauze and fold it in half. Lay the seeds between layers. Many seeds are not needed, only 10 pieces will suffice. Leave them for up to two weeks. The main thing is to make sure that the fabric does not dry out. At the end of the period, calculate the percentage of germination. A good result is 80%. If the value is less than 30%, seeds do not make sense.

After examining an example of how to test the seeds of pepper for germination, you can begin to act. Based on the example, you can check the seeds and other crops.

Seed germination conditions

The following factors influence the germination of seeds:

• Temperature. The higher this index, the faster the seeds will grow. This is due to the large consumption of moisture.

• Amount of water. The amount of moisture required depends on the culture. Most of all in the water needs sugar beet, legumes, flax seeds.

• Oxygen. During germination, seed nutrition is enhanced.

• Shine. This indicator affects not all plants. There are cultures that do not grow in the sun. For the growth of others, the light of the sun is mandatory.

The correct choice of the condition will help you get ready seedlings in the established germination time.

When to expect seedlings?

The emergence of the first shoots is an exciting process. He is waiting for several days, and sometimes even weeks. The waiting time will depend on the landing conditions. The timing of the germination of seeds of different crops can be seen in the table below.

As you can see, the seeds of individual plants can germinate in a few days. Cabbage, radish, radish, tomato sprout most rapidly. They need only 4 to 7 days when planted outdoors and 3 to 6 days when grown in a closed ground. The longest time you have to wait for the appearance of carrots, onions, celery.

Processing, accelerating the germination

Experienced gardener know that there are several ways to accelerate the germination of seeds. They are concluded in the execution of several simple procedures:

• Soaking. In a saucer the napkin, moistened with water is laid. The seeds are laid on it in a thin layer. From above everything is covered with a second layer of moistened cloth. Water should be at room temperature. After a while, the seeds will nourish the moisture, the roots will appear. When transplanting into the soil, it is important not to break off the sprouts, which are very fragile. This method is perfect for seeds of eggplants, beans, peas, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and so on.

• Warming. This method not only speeds up the germination, but also disinfects. Seeds are heated at a temperature of 60 degrees in ovens or dryers. Used for growing tomatoes, cucumbers.

• Sparging. The seeds placed in the tissue bag are immersed in water. There also put the compressor from the aquarium in order to saturate the water with oxygen. Seeds with this method germinate in a day or two. Suitable method for carrots, onions, parsley, dill.

Other important points

The germination conditions for all cultures are different. Most often, the seeds germinate in a warm room with a temperature of 22-28 degrees. But there are cold-loving plants that germinate at 18 degrees (salad, cabbage).

Another factor that influences germination is the quality of the soil. Already prepared soil can be purchased at the store. In this case, it does not need to be fertilized.

The depth of sowing also influences. Small seeds are sown over the surface of the soil and pressed. With increasing seed size, the depth also increases. For example, celery is sown to a depth of 0.5 cm, onions - 1 cm, cucumbers and watermelons - 1,5-2 cm.

It is not necessary to apply all these methods. But some of them are required. Their implementation will ensure a high percentage of germination and friendly shoots.