A seed is simply an immature seed enclosed in an outer protective casing. The development of this seed is a part of the reproductive process in some seed plants, such as the gymnosperm and angiosperm plants. The female gametophyte or ovule (singular gametophyte) of a seedling is not complete until it attaches to a host, such as a plant leaf blade, to grow into a plant and a small cluster of flowers. After this happens, a seed pod or shoot will emerge, containing all the parts necessary for a plant to grow.
The development of seeds within the host plant is usually triggered by plant hormones such as auxin, which is produced in response to the need to make the seedling strong. This hormone, called the auxins, also encourages the cell division and growth of the germ cells (the ones that start the process of seed production) into fruit-bearing plants. The plant hormone auxin is not present in plants that are grown from seeds, because these plants contain the same hormone, called chlorophyll, which is responsible for fruit development.
There are a variety of reasons for which a seed may fail to germinate. One of these is the lack of a suitable host plant that is able to support the growing seedling. For instance, seedlings may fail to germinate if they are grown in very cold climates, because their roots will be deprived of enough heat. Another cause for seed failure may be disease, as many insects can infect seedlings that grow in soil that is moist. Another cause for seed failure is environmental factors, such as excessive temperatures, heavy rainfall or winds, or too much rain or snow.
If seedlings fail to germinate, there are some things that you can do to prevent them from dying. You should always water the seedlings, so that water can penetrate the plant surface to promote the growth of the plant roots. Make sure that the soil around the seedlings is moist, but not soggy. Seedlings grow well in good, fertile soil, so you don’t want the soil to become soggy and compacted or compacted with clay particles. Seedlings grow best in loose soil, so you don’t want the soil to become too compacted and lose its shape.
If the seedling fails to germinate, try transplanting a healthy seedling next to another seedling. If the seedling fails to thrive because of poor germination conditions, it may be due to poor plant nutrition or poor growing conditions. To check your seedlings for poor conditions, you should dig around the plant, checking for signs of dryness, such as brown spots on the leaves. When you are not harvesting, check for signs of discoloration, such as browning of leaves and a yellowing of foliage.
Sometimes seedlings fail to germinate because they are not properly prepared for a successful planting. When growing seedlings, don’t fill the soil around the seedlings with fertilizer. Fertilizer can speed up the germination process, but it also makes the soil too wet for the seedling to grow properly. The seedling can overgrow, leaving behind a weed-like growing mass of seed that is more difficult to remove and handle. This can sometimes lead to a “seed trap,” where a few roots will get trapped in the fertilizer and will not be removed.
If you are replanting seedlings, it’s recommended that you leave about a quarter of an inch between each seedling. In general, two seedlings per square foot is sufficient. Fertilizer also encourages germination and growth of the new plant. If you need to fertilize your seedlings, make sure you water them thoroughly before the fertilizer is applied.
Seedlings, no matter how well you prepare them, will still die off. If seedlings don’t flourish after the first year, replant them or replant a different part of your garden. There are many ways that seedlings can fail. As long as you treat them correctly, they will succeed.
