Hayley Ninnis is a customer service representative at Hunt Auctions in Exton, Pennsylvania. At the vintage sports memorabilia company, she handles customer inquiries, offers support, manages account information, and actively participates in auction activities. Alongside her work, Hayley Ninnis is passionate about gardening and greenhouse plants. She has also developed an interest in propagating plants. One of the crucial steps in successful propagation is seed selection.
Before propagation, seek information on the seeds for a smooth and productive process. Depending on the genus, a seed contains an outer cover for protection against the elements and pests, an embryo, and a food reserve for growth, either cotyledon or endosperm. However, it can also represent any plant section that can bore a new plant on its own, such as a root, stem, or leaf. The former definition describes grains, vegetables, and flowers, with the latter being used chiefly for tubers, fruit, and woody plants.
When selecting seeds from the previous harvest, avoid diseased plants, or plant hybrids, as the subsequent yield may exhibit characteristics uneven with the parent. If you opt to purchase, ensure consistency with the cultivar details on the package. The primary aspects to look out for include germination percentage-85-95% should suffice-, clean seeds free of debris and disease, and age-old sources, even under optimized storage for long exhibit lower viability percentages. Where possible, purchase from the previous year's yield.
Also, consult certified and reputable dealers, either in person or by mail. Reputable companies often have experts at hand, including botanists and extension officers, to advise on your region's suitability, planting advice, and plant care.
