seed size in relation to sow success?

londonTiger

Just curious, are some seeds more successful at growing than others?

E.g. would a big bean/pumpkin seed grow with a higher success rate than tiny seeds like strawberries, sprouts, etc.

I don't know if I should put 1 strawberry seed per propogator tray in the hopes that all will rout or whether I should play the numbers game and out half a dozen in a cell and expect 1 or 2 to grow?

Davesnave

Depends what you mean by success.

If you sow bought tree or shrub seed, it might take two winters before it germinates. By that time, most people would have thrown the contents of the pot away!

The common dock produces seed which stays viable for up to 70 years, so it can take decades to germinate, waiting till conditions are right.

As a general rule, small seed deteriorates faster than large, but there are exceptions to every rule.

If I had enough, I would therefore sow more than one strawberry seed per module , but also because small seed produces small seedlings, which seem to do better if grown with company. Just like you shouldn't put a plug plant in a 2 litre pot, so it seems to be better, in the initial stages, not to have teeny seedlings sitting individually in modules.

londonTiger

thanks germinate is the word I was looking for.

I did a few searches, the big word seems to be depends. I will just play the numbers game. I've planted 18 seedlings in individual cells - sure at least 5 must grow and that#s goping to yeild quite a few strawberries I think. Any more is a bonus and I'll just give them away to relatives.

londonTiger

all the seeds from my easy grow beginners kit have germinated.

brocolli, sprouts, cabbage, tomatos.

But struggling with strawberries and chillis which is what I really wanted

RAS

londonTiger wrote: »

all the seeds from my easy grow beginners kit have germinated.

brocolli, sprouts, cabbage, tomatos.

But struggling with strawberries and chillis which is what I really wanted

Strawberries and chillies take longer to germinate.

Also chillies need a lot more heat than the brassicas.

Do you have a fridge or freezer that does not have a shelf or worktop above?

londonTiger

RAS wrote: »

Strawberries and chillies take longer to germinate.

Also chillies need a lot more heat than the brassicas.

Do you have a fridge or freezer that does not have a shelf or worktop above?

Thanks for the tip. I can place it on top of the fridge. My boiler is inside a cupboard and that would be 30 degrees celcius (although no light). Would it be better to put it inside boiler room?

RAS

Does your fridge have a little vent towards the back above the heat exchanger? That provides good gentle heat, 30 degrees is possibly a bit much.

Put them in a plastic bag until the seedligns start to show, then open the bag (keeps them moist but not muggy).

londonTiger

RAS wrote: »

Does your fridge have a little vent towards the back above the heat exchanger? That provides good gentle heat, 30 degrees is possibly a bit much.

Put them in a plastic bag until the seedligns start to show, then open the bag (keeps them moist but not muggy).

yes it does but our kitechen is quite draughty. It get quites cold. I think I'll just leave it in a bedroom which is a lot warmer and consistent.