Germination Rate: Determining How long a seed will last

Germination Rate: Determining How long a seed will last

​

Germination

The process by which an orgranism grows from a seed

Seeds have a Life-Span

• Seed Viability: an indication of whether or not a seed is alive and can reproduce itself

• Germination Rate: The average number of seeds that will germinate/sprout over a 5-10 day period.

Are my seeds old?

​

• Seeds that are in good condition and stored properly will last at least one year

• Depending on the plant, some may last up to five years

• Keep them Dry and Cool: (32 - 41 degrees is best)

Multiple Choice

A seed is viable if it

• is dry

• is large

• can reproduce itself

• doesn't have an odor

Multiple Select

How long can a seed last?

• 32 years

• Up to 5 years

• 5-10 days

• 1 year

How to Read a Seed Packet

​

• Description (color, size, polinators, harvest)

• Packed For/ Sell By Date

• Planting instructions:

• ^{Hardiness Zone (What area will be best for the plant)}

• ^{Planting Depth}

• ^{Days To Germination}

• Sun / Light Requirments

Multiple Select

Some important things to look for on a seed packet are

• date

• care instructions

• the price

• description of mature plant

• The company that cultivated it

Seed Viability Tests

Ways to test if your seed will grow

Water Test

Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then if the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, they most likely will not sprout.

- Limited Reliability. Seed weight can affect the test

Germination Test

• Take some seeds, and place them in a row on top of a damp paper towel. Fold over the paper towel and place in a zip-up plastic bag and seal it. Put in a warm location, and check the seeds often to see if they have began to germinate and/or to check the moisture of the paper towel. It should be kept damp, be careful not to apply too much water.

Multiple Choice

Which seed viability test is more reliable?

• Water Test

• Germination Test