Re: seed position ?
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: seed position ?
- From: P*@aol.com
- Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 21:04:02 EST
In a message dated 2/20/99 10:36:43 PM Eastern Standard Time, res@colfax.com
writes:
<<
Judy, If you plant the seeds flat the roots will head down due to gravity.
The stem will elongate up in a curve as it grows. When it straightens out
the seed is pulled thru the soil and this helps the plant pull the seed
coat off. In the book they said to put the pointed end down, this will
work but it takes alittle longer. Pumpkins pull the seed out of the
ground, other plants push their way up. Roger
>>
Judy,
Roger has a good point. I used to always plant the seed, pointed side down.
That is the end that the root comes out. If you plant the seed pointed side
up, it will do exactly what roger said. Now, if you are a fence sitter- middle
of the roader-etc., you can plant it flat as it would lie in
nature.......maybe you would get the best of both worlds. If you have good
vigorous seeds with a lightweight, sterilized seed starting mix(not that heavy
potting soil).......slightly moist like a wrung out sponge. 80 to 85 degrees
all the time. Those babies will blast out of the ground no matter how they are
pointed. If you plant the seeds point side down, they might come out of the
ground a little quicker, but they usually still have the seed on them. Don't
try to take the seed (shell) off unless it is moist. If the shell is dry,
spray it with a little water to soften it, then carefully peel it off. If you
give it an extra day after it comes up, the seed leaves inside will usually
force the shell apart and make it easier to remove. Sometimes the shell is
well split apart as it comes out of the soil and you can remove it easily. I
guess if the shell resists you removing it, leave it alone.
pumkinguy
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