Germination is one of the key stages in plant growth. Each seed is a tiny present. Hidden inside is all the complex genetic information that tells it what to grow into, plus a little reserve of nutritional resources to help see that it gets off to a good start in life. This may be a small reserve, as in radish and rocket that produce lots of tiny seeds to spread their bets, or a larger one, like beans and peas that invest more in ensuring that the seed has a reserve of nutrients to help initial growth.
Seeds need water to germinate. We plant our seeds and then we water them in. The seeds take in the water and this causes the embryo to swell and expand and break through the protective seed coat. They also need oxygen, the right temperature (no use growing if it’s too cold) and the right light levels. Some plants, like poppies, need light to germinate whereas others prefer darkness. These different light requirements are why we plant seeds at different depths. Some, however, are simply not going to germinate no matter what loving care and attention they get. If seeds are cracked or broken, then they won’t grow. Germination success rates (the proportion of seeds that germinate) are very important for growers of all kinds from veg gardeners to foresters.So why haven’t my sweetcorn germinated? I planted them weeks ago! I’ve planted some other sweetcorn since and they are already poking through the soil. I think perhaps I drowned them. With all the hot dry weather I was afraid that they wouldn’t get enough moisture and over-compensated. It’s best to plant, water in, and then water again when the seedling emerges. Otherwise they might go mouldy, or not get enough oxygen. I’m going to excavate one tonight and see if the seed is still there and if it started to grow at all.
So what shall I do?
There will be no sweetcorn in my mixed veg plot… For this research, it doesn’t matter if something is missing from the plot – hopefully all the other plants will simply take advantage of the space and there will still be a good yield.
On the other hand, maybe my mum has some spare ones that she might swap for some kale… : )
