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Why seeds don’t germinate – Erakina

February 9, 2022 4 Mins Read
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Seed with the bud

  • Cultivation is a process that requires proper attention to hit the result button.
  • The farming methods change by weather and landscape. However, seeding is considered a step to take with some practical knowledge otherwise chances are high to get failed.
  • Seeding isn’t a piece of cake that comes the way along effortlessly. If it’s followed thoroughly, some factors can accelerate germination.
  • There are multiple reasons for seeds don’t germinating. They can be categorised into two-environmental drawbacks and non-environmental drawbacks.
  • In most cases, environmental issues stop the growth of seeds that have been waiting to come out to the new world.
  • The key factors determining seed germination are the availability of water, oxygen levels and suitable degree of temperature. Seeds spread out when the three join together in the right ratio.

Environmental Setbacks

Growing plant

  • Water is the essential input required to improve the cellular metabolism within the seeds. Cellular metabolism is a process or chemical reaction that occurs in living organisms to maintain life by increasing their growth, allowing them to reproduce and respond to environmental changes.   
  • The hydrolytic enzymes assist the process of turning stored food into essential elements supporting healthy germination. While air affects germination, maintaining soil moisture by providing enough water can result in successful seed growth.
  • Too much dry soil would create a messy surrounding where nothing grows for good. And too much water misleads to patchy, non-existent germination. Experts recommend watering the soil with enough water rather than soaking them in water as it might destroy the quality of the seeds.
  • Plants are living organisms with organic functions keeping life go. They depend on aerobic respiration that stimulates growth. The germinating seeds require oxygen for metabolism that constitutes the seeds to crack out and stay healthy as a plant.  
  • There is a close connection between watering the seeds and filling them with oxygen. According to the studies, both overwatering and underwatering contribute to the lack of oxygen in the soil which, in turn, shows red flags for seed growth.
  • There are some recommended lengths for seeds to plant in. Planting too deep will prevent seed germination. It is the most common reason for the poor development of the buds.
  • Temperature variations set a barrier for the seed sprouting. Certain seeds develop themselves in a particular degree of temperature that is significant for their overall performance. Knowing the exact temperature characteristics of the seeds you want to plant and grow would do better.
  • If the greenhouse or polytunnel is beyond natural temperature, open the structure for adequate ventilation to support the seed progression.
  • Another cause for poor seed growth is called damping off. It is a condition of seeds dying after germination or during the process of germination. The two phases of damping-off are tabled into pre-emergence and post-emergence damping off.
  • This type of seed collapse is commonly found when sowing them in a greenhouse or deep indoor where proper ventilation gets blocked.
  • Light has an unavoidable role in seed development. Environmental conditions like light levels going down, temperature fluctuations and humidity graph changing can damage the seed quality. As a result, the seeds don’t grow in the way they are to be.
  • Pythium, a fungus-like organism that flourishes on soil, is one of the factors that dampen the soil. A white mold around the seed is the reflection of damping off.
  • Cleaning the containers, trays pots etc to ensure an extra healthy environment for seeds is a solution.
  • The soil must be the first and last priority. The seeds are to be planted in a well-cultivated soil where nutritional deficiency isn’t a problem. Check the soil fertilization power before seeding and fill in enough nutrients to increase its quality.

Non-environmental setbacks

Grown seeds with leaves

  • Improper storing of seeds is the first non-environmental setback. It destroys the quality of the seeds to mingle with the environmental changes stimulating the growth process.
  • Fresh seeds spontaneously resist the bad climate conditions that discourage their plant-development stage.
  • Planting expired or not viable seeds gives nothing back. Their viability period varies depending on the crops. Carrots lose its viability at a quicker pace whereas other seeds have much more time. Always choose viable and fresh seeds.
  • The seed packets are a source of information that we haven’t met. It records the expiry date, how to plant and in which length etc. Read the seed packets carefully and thoroughly and plant at the right time.
  • Get the right growing medium. Prepare the environment with enough texture for the seed to grow. It is crucial to follow the proper guidelines of planting and treating them well. Some seeds are to be soaked before planting and some aren’t. Understand what it needs and act accordingly.
  • Planting and nurturing them needs an effort that can improve the result. Understanding the pain points will provide the desired result.
By :- Sujitha K.S

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