Propagation

To increase the number of plants, reproducing plants

Sexual Propagation

Propagation with seed

Asexual Propagation

Propagation without seed

Fast way to get many plants

Easy to do

Economical

Some plants do not reproduce true to parents.

Some plants are difficult to propagate from seeds.

Direct Sow - Seeds are sown directly in container in which they

are grown

Indirect Sow – Seeds are sown in one container and transplanted to another after their true leaves

appear.

Monocot – Produce one seed leaf.

Example: Corn

Dicot – Produce two seed leaves.

Example: Bean

Mature Seed – Stage where a seed can be removed from the plant without hurting its

germination.

Viable Seed – Seeds that are live and will germinate.

Seed Coat – Outside covering of the seed which

protects the embryonic plant.

Cotyledon – The first leaves to appear on a plant; seed

leaves

Embryo – The new plant that is developed as a result of

fertilization (the seed).

Endosperm – Food storage tissue which nourishes the

embryonic plant during germination.

Epicotyl – The stem located above the cotyledons of a

seedling.

Hypocotyl – The stem tissue located between the seedling

root and the cotyledons.

Radicle – The primary seedling root. (turns into the

primary root)

Scarification – Scratching, chipping, or nicking of the

seed coat of certain seeds to promote germination.

Stratification – Exposing seeds to cool temperatures,

35-50F, for a period of time to break dormancy.

Planting seeds

When the young plant breaks the soil surface.

Germination Rate - % of seeds that germinate

EX: 75 out of 100 = 75%

Plant 500 seeds, 350 germinate, what is the germination rate?Answer: 350/500 = 70%

If you have a 75% germination rate and plant 240 seeds how many will germinate?Answer: 240/x = 75% so 240 * .75 = 180

You have 679 seeds germinate with a germination rate of 85% how many seeds did you plant?Answer: x * .85 = 679 so 679/.85 = 798.82 = 799

The Order of seed germination

Seedlings – Young plants which have germinated for

several days.

Seed Leaves – 1st set of leaves to appear, usually

rounded or oval.

True Leaves – 2nd set of leaves to appear, usually look

like plant’s adult leaves.

Transplant when the first true leaves appear.

Harden off – Reduction of water, humidity, and

temperature to prepare for transplanting.