The process of soaking zucchini seeds before planting
The yield of pumpkin crops depends on climatic conditions, soil quality and planting material, which undergoes a certain preparation. Soaking zucchini seeds before planting accelerates germination, increases plant resistance to pests and prolongs their fruiting.
The process of soaking zucchini seeds before planting
Methods for preparing seeds for planting
Zucchini is grown in 2 ways - seedlings and seeds (sown directly into open ground). Germination and yield directly depend on compliance with all the rules of preparation - it is carried out, despite the quality of the purchased material.
There are 4 main pre-sowing measures that provide early shoots and increase the period of fruiting.
- Calibration. The seeds are sorted out and sifted out of various sizes, deformed.
- Warming up. Selected seeds are placed in direct sunlight on a black canvas to warm up and increase the internal potential of the plant. At a temperature of 60 ℃, the procedure is carried out no more than 3-5 hours, and at 35 ° - 14 days.
- Disinfection. Preparation includes the obligatory disinfection of the planting material, especially if the purchased packaging does not have a mark of sterility. Zucchini react positively to potassium permanganate. It is diluted in a proportion of 2 g per 100 ml of water and the seeds are kept for at least 20 minutes.
- Soak. The seeds are poured with clean water or a stimulant solution, thereby increasing germination.
Soaking rules
Exposure in water leads to swelling and softening of the outer shell of the seeds - this accelerates the formation of full-fledged seedlings after planting.
An important feature of the procedure is to reduce the risk of rotting in the soil and destruction by pests. The water should be melted or purified.
It is necessary to soak the seeds of zucchini in a certain sequence:
- put the material on a piece of gauze, roll it up several times, then cover it with the same layer of cloth and send it to a wide plate;
- fill the contents with water, temperature 35 ° C - the liquid should completely cover the seeds;
- to create a greenhouse effect, you can wrap the saucer in foil;
- now the container can be hidden in a dark place - the air temperature is maintained within 20-25 ° C;
- keep the planting material in this state for no more than 18 hours - do not overdo it, otherwise the seeds will rot.
Soaking agents
For the procedure, you can use not only water, but also biologically active substances - they will contribute to the acceleration of seed germination.
- Epin. The drug is produced using herbal ingredients. Soaking in such a solution makes the culture more resistant to adverse conditions, frost and sunlight.
- Zircon. It will accelerate growth and strengthen the root system of future shoots.
Recommendations
The selected seed is stored for 4 to 8 years (depending on storage conditions).
Varietal affiliation plays an important role: Hybrid F1 has an increased ability to germinate in a friendly manner.
The conclusion about the suitability is given as a percentage. They take 10 seeds as a basis and make up the proportion:
- unsatisfactory result - 30% - germination of only 3 seeds, such material is not suitable;
- medium - 50-70% (5-7 pieces), seeds are additionally treated with growth activators;
- high - 80-90% (8-9 pieces), the material is suitable for planting without pretreatment.
Solutions to improve seed growth
Excellent seedlings
Preparing zucchini seeds for planting includes soaking them in specialized solutions - they improve growth and yield. The market is rich in a variety of formulas suitable for pumpkin crops.
There are chemical growth promoters and natural additives that fuel the inner strength of the seeds and enrich them with beneficial substances. The choice depends on individual preferences.
With hydrogen peroxide
The solution with hydrogen peroxide has a double effect on the planting material due to the properties of the drug. The seeds soaked before planting simultaneously improve the structure of the upper layer (soften) and undergo additional disinfection.
For cooking, dilute 1 tbsp. l. preparation in 500 ml of water and place the seeds wrapped in a napkin in it.
The liquid is drained after 12 hours of exposure and the seeds are washed under running water to remove the remaining solution.
Potassium humate
The nutrient has a number of qualities that have a positive effect on zucchini: it can lower the acidity level, stimulate development, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the need for mineral supplements.
Preference is given to the liquid version of the fertilizer, but the possibility of using granular material is not excluded.
Dilute the preparation (20 g) in water (250 ml) so that the color of the resulting solution has a light shade.
A dark color indicates a high concentration of the nutrient and can harm the germination of courgettes.
Soaking takes from 15 to 20 hours, then the seeds are dried. The remaining solution is impregnated with the soil, in which it is prepared for planting a pumpkin culture.
With wood ash
The natural component has an extensive list of useful trace elements. They have a positive effect on zucchini, activate their growth and nourish them with nutrients.
The main plus is accessibility, since you can get it at any summer cottage when burning dried branches.
The solution is prepared at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. for one liter of clean, warm water and insist for at least 24 hours. Before planting, it is worth soaking the seeds for 3 hours, after which you can start planting work.
With aloe juice
Aloe is a natural biostimulant that is actively used to increase the germination of pumpkin crops.
An adult plant with a developed leaf system is selected, which is collected and sent to the cold for 3-4 days.
The cooled leaves are taken out, cut into small pieces, wrapped in gauze and squeezed into a container with water (1: 1 ratio).
Zucchini seeds are soaked for 24 hours, after which they are ready for soil.
Other ways of stimulation
Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in specialized solutions. They have an increased effect, but they are not always exclusively of natural origin, therefore they are rarely used due to the belief in the harmfulness of the composition.
There are many drugs based on chemical components, but among them there are a number of products that have been clinically tested and certified as environmentally friendly.
Zircon
One of the main preparations containing natural ingredients is Zircon.
It promotes rapid germination of planting material, accelerates the formation of rhizomes and increases plant productivity.
Treated seedlings are resistant to various diseases, and their adaptation period to open field conditions is reduced.
Zucchini seeds are placed in water (150 ml) and a growth promoter (1 drop) is added.
You can increase the effectiveness of the product by acidifying the solution with one crystal of citric acid. You need to soak the planting material for 8-10 hours.
Epin
A herbal remedy, Epin, improves the adaptation of zucchini to negative climatic manifestations.
You need to soak the seeds in a solution consisting of water (100 ml) and a growth activator (2 drops) for 12-24 hours.
The effectiveness of the procedure is affected by the temperature of the water. It is maintained at 20 °, otherwise the effect of drugs on seeds will fall.