Propagation Archives - gardenmyths.com

Do Lettuce Seeds Need Light to Germinate?

A lot of specialty seeds need light to germinate, but it never occurred to me that vegetable seeds might need light until a couple of months ago, when I read that lettuce needs light. I have always covered my lettuce seed, and it germinated just fine. How can that be if they need light?

How much light do they need? Does a thin covering of soil allow enough light to reach them?

I decided to do some tests to figure things out, and that just made the picture murkier. Here are my test results and information from a number of scientific studies. The answer is not what you think.

guy planting lettuce seedlings — Planting lettuce seedlings, source: Depositphotos

Key Takeaways

Lettuce seeds can germinate in the dark.
The light requirement for germination depends on the cultivar.

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Myths About F1 Hybrid Seeds – Are They Sterile?

There seems to be a lot of confusion about F1 hybrid seeds. Here is the truth about some common myths.

Oversized tomato leaning agaisnt a white car — Giant F1 Tomato Hybrid, Depositphotos

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What is Seed Stratification?

Some seed is difficult to germinate unless you stratify them. If you do that correctly, you can germinate just about any seed with ease. I’ve germinated over 2,000 different types of seed and many needed a cold stratification period before they would germinate. In this stratification guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know about germinating seeds.

3 seedlings just poking above the soil line — Seeds that have been properly stratified, source: Chris Penny

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Germinating Seeds Quickly: Complete Guide

Starting seeds is one the most exciting and enjoyable parts of gardening and you can do it in winter. Each seed pack contains little miracles that in your hands will develop into beautiful mature plants, provided you follow the simple steps outlined in this post.

I have personally germinated over 2,000 different varieties of plants using the methods in this guide. It is much easier than you think and the tricks and procedures detailed here will work for vegetables, flowers and even trees. Grab those seed packs and let’s get started.

seed just poking its head above soil

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It’s Seed Starting Time

I know it is still snowing, but this is perfect weather for winter sowing. It is also a good idea to look at your seeds and figure out which are still viable using my simple seed test. You should also start getting your equipment ready. Is this the year you order new LED lights?

Below are some excellent videos that answer many of the questions you have about starting seeds including my most popular video about using the baggy method for seed starting which now has 1.2 million views!

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Best Seed Starting Mix, Including DIY

You work very hard to grow the very best seedlings you can. So start them off right and give them best seedling mix you can. I have grown over 2,000 varieties of plants from seed and wrote the book Soil Science for Gardeners. In this post I review the best commercial and DIY seed starting mixes and give you my opinion on starting your babies off right.

Two hands potting up a tomato seedling — Use the right seed starting mix

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Seed Dormancy – What is it and How do You Break it?

In my previous post, Plant Seed Basics, I described the germination process in very general terms. A seed lands on the ground, absorbs water, and germinates. It is all so simple – or is it? In this post I will have a closer look at something called seed dormancy. What causes it and how do you overcome it so the seed germinates.

Seed dormancy, Germinating Fritillaria seed, by Robert Pavlis — Seed dormancy – germinating Fritillaria seed, by Robert Pavlis. Notice the radicle growing through the seed and emerging from the bottom of the seed.

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Winter Tasks for the Gardener

Its cold and the snow is blowing. All you want to do is get out in the garden, play in the soil and smell some flowers. Even weeding would be a pleasure this time of year. I have good news for you. This blog is chocked full of winter gardening activities you can enjoy right now.

Don’t wait until spring – start gardening now and chase those winter doldrums away.

Clematis Betty Corning, by Robert Pavlis

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When Do You Fertilize Seedlings?

When do you start fertilizing seedlings? The most common advice is that newly germinated seedlings do not need to be fertilized because they get initial nutrients from the seed and the soil/media. If that is true, why does the horticulture industry start fertilizing as soon as they seed? Do they know something gardeners don’t?

When Do You Fertilize Seedlings?

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How To Name Plants Correctly – Botanical Names vs Common Names

Knowledge of plant names is the foundation of gardening and they help gardeners select plants and determine how to grow them. Many gardeners obtain or share knowledge by communicating with other plant enthusiasts from around the world. A good grasp of plant names and how to use them, will save you significant time, effort, and money.

The proper use of plant names becomes more complicated when we consider varieties, cultivars, hybrids, and regional differences between common names.

A rose by any other name might not smell as sweet…because it’s an entirely different plant!

Use the correct plant names, source: — Use the correct plant names, source: David J. Stang, Liné1

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Floating Seeds in Water – Is This a Good Seed Viability Test?

How do you know if your seeds are still viable? Simple, do a seed germination test. Place the seeds in some water. The ones that sink are still viable – the ones that float are dead.

This advice is all over the internet so it must work? But how reliable is it?

Floating Seeds in Water - Is this a Good Seed Viability Test? — Floating Seeds in Water – Is this a Good Seed Viability Test?; source: Pens & Pencils

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Potting Up – Which Pot Size is Correct for Potting On?

You have been growing seedlings in small pots and it’s time to move them to bigger pots. Or maybe you bought a small houseplant and it has grown too big for the pot and it needs more space. What size of pot should you use when potting up? Is it better to pot up one size at a time, or go to a big pot right away?

Is there a right answer or does the answer depend on your goals for the plant, the type of soil or the type of plant?

The answer is going to surprise many of you and it’ll show the value of listening to science.

Potting Up - Which Pot Size is Correct for Potting On? — Potting Up – Which Pot Size is Correct for Potting On? photo by Kitchen Garden

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