LSU AG Gardening Course Module 5

Types of Plant Reproduction

• sexual (seeds)
• asexual (vegetative)

Sexual Reproduction

• parts of the plants are from the previous module.
• seeds generate differently between monocot and dicot
• epicotyl is usually the first thing that shows up out of the ground
• seeds go dormant so that they don't sprout too close to the parent

Dormacy

• breaking the seed coat so that the dormancy can be broken
• stratification - related to a chemical dormacy
• seeds can be started in the seed.
• if you use your fridge for stratifiction, be sure to label it

Germination

• requires moisture, temperature, oxygen, light
• look at that charts for the seed temperature for the plant
• heat pads may be needed for germination for those that have higher germination temperatures

Why to start your own plant

• extend the growing season
• wider selection of varieties
• more control over environment
• save money
• increases survival rate (already has a head start with your environment)
• reduces weed competition
• helps you grow the exact number of plants

Seed Planting

• select your varieties, start at least 6 weeks before the growing season
• get seed trays
• get seed starting mix (usually no soil, things that hold mixture and fertilizer)
• have seed starting area ready
• sterilize the container before you use it
• make sure that it has drainage, maybe holes in the bottom

Containers

• flats
• old cans
• milk jugs
• egg cartons
• baby food jars

Saving Seeds

• save money
• preserve diversity
• retain pest resistance
• connect with what you grow
• create new varieties adapted to your growing conditions

hybrid vs open pollinated

• open pollinated will produce a seed that is almost or identical to the parent
• hybrids are intentionally crosspollinated. they have specific characteristics that the grower wants. they come from the same two different parents

Saving Seeds

• the fruit and seed mature simultaneously
• remove the seed from fruit
• clean the seed
• dry the seed
• package the seed and label completely
• LABEL THE SEED
• get seed packets... can use envelope from office supply store

Storing Seeds

• dry, low humidity, less than 10% humidity
• cool, 32-45 degrees
• can use the silica packets
• seeds last from 1 to 7 years, depends on the plant