Do lettuce seeds need light or dark to germinate?
Lettuce seeds must be exposed to light to grow into seedlings. You can sprinkle them on soil or vermiculite and then cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Carrots: much like lettuce, to get carrot seeds to germinate, expose them to light by sprinkling them on the surface of the soil.
Do lettuce seeds germinate better in the dark?
Some seeds do need light to germinate, such as celery, dill, lettuce, and petunias. However, most seeds will germinate in darkness or light, and a general rule is that they should be covered with soil twice as deep as their diameter.
Does lettuce require light to germinate?
Seeds that require light to germinate are lettuce and savory. These seeds can germinate in light if surrounded by moist soil or they can be lightly covered with soil.
How does light affect the germination of lettuce seeds?
Our results showed that light induced NO production, increased PLD activity and phosphatidic acid (PA) levels in lettuce seeds, which resulted in seed germination. These processes were impaired at 23 °C in darkness or at 28 °C in light.
Do vegetable seeds germinate better in the dark?
The seeds of some plant species require light for germination. After sowing these seeds, lightly press them into the germination medium, but do not cover them. The seeds of other flowers and vegetables require darkness (C) and should be covered with the germination medium.
Should I soak lettuce seeds?
In warmer temperatures, imbibing or soaking the seeds in water for at least 16 hours before planting in a well-lit area will increase the germination percentages greatly. Soaking for less than 16 hours has little to no positive effect on germination.
How many hours of light do lettuce seeds need to germinate?
For best results, place the planters under a light for 24 hours a day. You can also cover your pot with a clear plastic bag and place it in a south-facing window. Check the soil moisture daily and water as needed. Depending on the type of lettuce planted, seeds will begin to sprout in 7 to 14 days.
Why do seeds germinate faster in the dark?
The light slows stem elongation through hormones that are sent down the stem from the tip of the stem. In the darkness, the hormones do not slow stem elongation. The seeds in the dark-grown condition rely upon the stored chemical energy within their cells (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) to power their growth.
Why are lettuce seeds kept at 25 degrees?
Seeds of most cultivated varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) fail to germinate at warm temperatures (i.e., above 25–30°C). Seed priming (controlled hydration followed by drying) alleviates this thermoinhibition by increasing the maximum germination temperature.
What vegetable seeds should you soak before planting?
A short list of seeds that like to soak are peas, beans, pumpkins and other winter squash, chard, beets, sunflower, lupine, fava beans, and cucumbers. Most other medium-to-large vegetable and flower seeds with thick coats benefit from soaking.