6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your response. It was very helpful and what you wrote makes a lot of sense. Do you know what prevents plants from forming extensive roots in the germination cell? From what I have seen so far, I don't think limited space is the issue. Also, since in nature seeds sprout pretty much where they fall and no one is there to poke them deeper in the ground, how come those plants develop fine? Life in the outside world is probably a lot harsher I would think. I'm just really curious and haven't found a satisfying answer yet. Would like to hear your thoughts if you have some time.

Thanks,
Amna

Do you know what prevents plants from forming extensive roots in the germination cell?

It depends on how technical you want to get. ;) A detailed scientific article is linked below but please note that it is still in development - accurate but work still needed. Also, this article is one of the many sources already linked in the discussions I linked for you above.

Basically it boils down to (1) the type of cells found in the different types of roots. Initial roots contain only the cellular structure imposed on them by the seed embryo DNA. And (2) when, in the growing process, the fibrous root cell development is triggered - true leaf emergence. Stage transplanting magnifies that triggering by providing a new growing environment and a deeper environment that forces additional fibrous roots to develop along the now buried stem.

Plants left to go along in their germination cell will, eventually, develop the needed fibrous roots, but not as quickly nor to the same degree. The article linked above shows you pics of the root development on transplants vs. non-transplants.

Also, since in nature seeds sprout pretty much where they fall and no one is there to poke them deeper in the ground, how come those plants develop fine?

Apples and oranges to a degree as the goals are so different. ;)

First, while some seeds in the wild may indeed sprout where they fall, the parent plant "planted" (scattered) thousands of seeds. Of those thousands how many germinated? Studies using both wildflowers and trees show less than 10%.

Second, of those that did sprout, their survival rate is quite low - less than 20% - not something we want when germinating for the garden. Only those very few that chance allows to fall in just the right place with just the right soil, just a lucky wind that covers it or a wild creature poops on it, the right nutrients, sun exposure, and moisture will ever grow to compete with its parent.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: How Plants Devlop Roots

I sow seeds indoors until Patriots mini-camp start!

Amna, I finally had time to repot the Cosmos just as you said. Never having worked with teeny, tiny seedlings before I must say it took me a VERY long time to tease apart those babies and then match them up, get soil level right in new container so good roots weren't squished... all in all a process I wouldn't want to duplicate in future years! I didn't have them in single compartment pots or flats so they were all just mushed together in a deep baking tin with clear top.

I don't know how winter sowing people do it in the jugs and a variety of other containers. Guess if I had 100-300 jugs there might be enough to do the "hunk of seedlings" planting with plenty to go around but I don't even remotely have that many containers.

I sowed Zinnias and Tithonia in individual tall cups and/or bottles. They're doing very nicely and I didn't want to take a chance on tearing roots trying to separate when planting out. I know I can direct sow those but wanted to get head start.

Now my Cosmos babies are in their own separate little containers thanks to "auntie amna" having a solution. :)

Hello,
I found the following source for peat pots of all size up to 13". That's pretty large. They also have every size smaller than that and you can buy in bulk to save money. The website hyper-link is the following:

http://www.novoselenterprises.com/products/jiffy.asp

I hope this helps!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Extra Large Peat Pots

Novosel also carries deep ( 3.5") seedling flats (18, 32 & 36). Great for tomatoes and peppers. That extra depth really helps out without taking up more space under lights.

If you winter sow (not the same as direct sowing, by the way) them now like ornata mentions, they will naturally break dormancy and germinate sometime in the spring.

If you are wanting to collect the seed, does the rose hip have to be fully dried before removing it from the rose bush? Is the seed fully grown if the rose hip is still green?

I think if the seeds are still contained in the fruit and not cleaned or allowed to dry out, they would still be quite fresh.

Of course if you have enough seed and curiosity, you could do them both ways and let us know what your results are :)

What if the seeds mold while in the potting soil? Does that mean no plants will grow?

I would leave the cotyledons esposed. I would not cover them. yes leave them ground level or slightly above.

Excellent! Thanks so much for your help cindjo2! I truly appreciate you taking the time to help.
Now maybe I'll see sunflowers in bloom in my garden this year.
Happy gardening!!