How long does it take for osmanthus seeds to germinate
A detailed introduction about the germination time of osmanthus seeds and the cultivation techniques of osmanthus seedlings in the field of flowers, specifics are as follows:
Osmanthus is a fragrant, elegant flower that blooms in autumn, filling the air with its sweet scent, refreshing the mind and spirit. Osmanthus is not only ornamental but also medicinal, edible, and used for making perfumes, making it a versatile plant. Osmanthus can be propagated by seed, but the germination rate of osmanthus seeds is not high, requiring certain skills and patience. This article will introduce the pre-sowing preparation, germination treatment, and sowing methods of osmanthus seeds, allowing you to easily cultivate healthy and strong osmanthus seedlings.
Pre-sowing preparation
Pre-sowing preparation is a key step to ensure the successful germination of osmanthus seeds, mainly including the following three aspects:
Seed inspection: Choose plump, fresh seeds free from worm damage, and remove empty shells and deteriorated seeds. Some seeds can be randomly cut open with a knife to observe whether the endosperm is milky white and viable. If the endosperm is dry, discolored, or shows signs of worm damage, the seeds are not suitable for sowing.
Seed disinfection: To prevent seeds from being infected by bacteria or fungi, affecting the germination rate and the health of seedlings, seeds need to be disinfected. There are two commonly used disinfection methods: one is to wash the seeds with clean water and then soak them in a 1% bleach solution or a 0.5% potassium permanganate solution for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry; the other is to soak the seeds in a 0.5% formalin solution for 15 minutes, discard the solution, and then seal the seeds for 30 minutes, finally rinse with clean water and dry.
Seed storage: Osmanthus seeds are physiologically post-mature, only after a long period of sand storage, when the post-maturation process is complete, can they germinate and sprout. Therefore, collected osmanthus seeds cannot be sown immediately but should be mixed with moist sand and stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, keeping them moist and protected from rodents. In winter, it is important to keep them warm and prevent freezing. The sand storage time is generally about 8-10 months.
Germination treatment
Germination treatment is to promote the rapid and uniform germination of osmanthus seeds before sowing. Specific methods are as follows:
Soaking: Place the disinfected osmanthus seeds in warm water at about 50℃ and soak for about 4 hours to allow them to absorb water fully.
Germination: After soaking, remove the osmanthus seeds and place them in a basket or cover them with a wet cloth or straw, and germinate at a temperature of 18-24℃. During the germination process, it is necessary to stir the seeds frequently to keep the upper and lower layers at a consistent temperature and humidity, so that the seeds can sprout uniformly. When more than half of the seeds have cracked their hulls or slightly exposed the radicle, it is time for sowing.
Sowing method
There are many sowing methods, and here is a simpler spot sowing method. The specific steps are as follows:
Prepare the substrate: Osmanthus prefers loose, fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained, and ventilated soil. A mixture of fine sand, humus, fertilizer-free leaf mold, vermiculite, and perlite can be used as the substrate. Fill the substrate in a pot or box, compact and level the surface, and sprinkle a layer of fine sand on top.
Spot sowing seeds: Press the germinated osmanthus seeds with your finger or a bamboo stick on the substrate to ensure good contact, keeping a spacing of 6-8 centimeters between each seed. When sowing, place the seed scar on the side to prevent the radicle and young stem from bending, affecting the growth of the seedlings. After sowing, cover with a 2-3 centimeter layer of fine sand and water thoroughly.
Maintain temperature and humidity: To maintain the temperature and humidity of the osmanthus seeds, you can cover the pot or box with glass or straw to shade and keep warm. When the seeds have sprouted and come out of the soil, the straw should be slightly uncovered in the shade or evening to allow ventilation. At the same time, keep the seedbed moist to reduce evaporation and prevent weed growth. In the hot summer season, it is necessary to set up a shed for shade.
Fertilization management: One-year-old osmanthus seedlings can reach a height of 20-30 centimeters and can be transplanted in early spring of the following year. One month after the seedlings emerge, they enter a period of vigorous growth. A thin solution of decomposed manure or nitrogenous fertilizer should be applied once a month. As the seedlings grow, the concentration of fertilizer can be appropriately increased. After autumn, stop top dressing to prevent the seedlings from growing too tall and suffering from frost damage. Additionally, it is important to prevent and control diseases and pests in a timely manner, such as brown spot disease, damping-off disease, and aphids.
The above-sharing on the germination time of osmanthus seeds and the specific content of the cultivation techniques of osmanthus seedlings are for everyone's reference and operation.