Home Gardener's Propagation (UK Only). David Squire

Чтение книги онлайн.

      SEEDS

      Increasing plants from seeds

       Are there many types?

      There is a wide range of seeds, from dust-like to winged and plumed, and some are fleshy or hard (see below for details and their special needs when sowing). Sowing seeds is the main method of increasing plants, and usually the least expensive. It is often the key to capturing the attention of young children and turning them into gardeners. They are likely then to grow up into people who appreciate plants and respect the environment.

      HARVESTING SEEDS

      Although most gardeners buy fresh seeds of vegetables, hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals and greenhouse plants each year, some people like to harvest and save seeds from plants that have flowered. However, the plants that result from such seeds can sometimes be variable (gathering seeds is described below). In addition, where a plant is a hybrid – this is indicated by an x between the first (generic) and second (specific) names – its seeds will not breed true to the type; neither will those of varieties that are F1 hybrids (see box on opposite page for the meaning of this term).

      TYPES OF SEED

      Seeds can be grouped into six main types, and this has an influence on the way they should be sown.

      • Dust-like: These very fine seeds soon lose their ability to germinate, and therefore are best sown while fresh. They include seeds of Begonia and Meconopsis. You need only press them into the surface of the compost.

      • Hard-coated: Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea) is an example; crimson and purple-coloured varieties have especially hard-coated seeds. To encourage rapid germination, chip the hard coat with a sharp knife on the side of the seed opposite the ‘eye’ (a process called ‘scarification’).

      • Fleshy seeds: Seeds of some vegetables, such as beans and garden peas, have fleshy seeds; encourage germination by soaking them in water for a day or two before sowing. Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut), Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut) and Quercus (Oaks) have fleshy seeds.

      • Oily seeds: These include Magnolia seeds, and they soon lose their ability to germinate; you should sow them immediately after gathering.

      • Winged seeds: Trees such as Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Fraxinus (Ash) and Tilia (Lime) have winged seeds; you can remove the ‘wings’ when you are cleaning them, and sow the seeds in the normal way.

      • Plumed seeds: These include Erigeron and Scabiosa (Scabious); sometimes, if the plume is still present, they can be difficult to sow at the desired depth.

      GATHERING SEEDS

      When harvesting seeds, it is essential to choose a dry, sunny day and to keep the seeds of different species separate. The ‘parent’ plants should be healthy, free from pests and diseases and representative of their kind. Always gather the seedheads or pods before they begin to open. It is better for seedheads and pods to dry out slowly in gentle warmth, rather than quickly in a high temperature.