2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
It is very convenient to grow zucchini by sowing seeds directly into the ground. However, those gardeners who neglect the seedling method of reproduction deprive themselves of the joy of getting an earlier harvest. In addition, when cultivating seedlings, less seed is wasted. Should you keep old seeds? Definitely - yes, because a zucchini is not as simple as it might seem at first glance
What secrets are hidden in the seeds
Zucchini seeds have their own secrets, and their character, the manner of fruiting, depending on age, changes somewhat. Pumpkin crops are generally famous for their long shelf life, and the seeds of squash directly remain viable for up to 7 years. Interestingly, when sown with fresh seeds, the plant produces many male flowers. But when the seeds lie down for 2-3 years, the percentage of female flowers increases, and the plant's yield becomes noticeably higher. In addition, zucchini propagated by lying seeds also has a higher resistance to disease.
By the way, such a technique as warming up the seeds before planting will help to increase the percentage of germination. This technique simultaneously awakens, hardens and disinfects the seeds. If time permits, warming up can be carried out for a month at a radiator or stove. This process can be accelerated with an electric light bulb or oven.
Disinfection and germination of seeds
However, the seeds can also bring unpleasant surprises. To prevent the pathogens that have settled in it, the seed is disinfected before sowing on seedlings. To do this, use a solution of potassium salt of manganese acid, after which the seeds are rinsed in clean water. It is also useful to soak the seeds in a damp cloth for a day before sowing.
The process of growing seedlings will be more successful if sowing with germinated seeds. It is undesirable to do this in the tissue, since the seed can rot in the layers of matter. To get out of the situation, use ordinary cosmetic cotton pads. They are placed on trays for pots or saucers and moistened, and seeds are placed on top. From above, such improvised "crops" are crushed with moist earth and this incubator is kept in a warm place. Water is poured into the pan until the sprouts hatch. The layer of earth should not be thick so that you can distinguish the seeds that have sprouted under it and move them in time to peat pots for seedlings.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
The seedling soil mixture is prepared from the following components:
• peat - 5 parts;
• turf land - 2 parts;
• humus - 2 parts;
• sawdust - 1 part.
In order for the seedlings to move to the beds in May, sowing must be carried out in April. The seedlings should be 25-30 days old.
Peat cups for seedlings are made in the form of cubes with dimensions of about 10x10x10 cm. To prevent the soil from crumbling, impromptu cups are made for it from a newspaper folded in several layers, which are placed in a box. The substrate is watered with warm water and one grain is placed in each one to a depth of about 2 cm. Until the shoots appear, the temperature in the room with the seedlings is maintained at + 20 … + 22 ° C. When the seedlings look out of the ground, you need to lower the temperature, otherwise the plants will stretch out. After a week, the temperature will need to be raised again.
Caring for seedlings of zucchini consists in watering with warm water and top dressing. The first time fertilization is applied not earlier than a week after the seedlings look to the surface of the earth. For this, superphosphate and urea are used. The second feeding is performed after another week. Apply nitrophosphate and ash diluted with water.
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