Hints and tips for growing seeds
The easiest way is to plant the seeds directly into the container in which they will be displayed.
However, not all seeds germinate, and sometimes they need more attention between germination and
growing on. Sunflower seedlings may grow quite ‘leggy’ unless they are planted securely. It is a good
idea to prepare a tray of seedlings to replace flagging specimens.
Seeds need damp conditions but
soil or compost will go mouldy if
they become waterlogged. The
seed trays will drain better if they
have drainage holes, but sit them
on a waterproof tray to catch
draining water. Keep them
somewhere fairly warm, but they
don’t need light until the shoots
appear.
Check the germinating seeds daily.
Water them if the soil is dry. Allow
them to drain better if it becomes
mouldy.
It may take a few days for shoots to
appear. The seeds need to
germinate and produce roots first.
Be ready in case you need to pot
up your seedlings.
Make sure the seedlings have
enough water to last over the
weekend, and check them on
Monday.
Monday: planted seeds
Tuesday: checked and watered
Wednesday: checked and watered
Thursday: sunflower seedlings appeared!
Friday: potted up some sunflower seedlings
Turn over for more information
CLEAPSS® Growing Food Hints & Tips Draft January 2014
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Hints and Tips for Growing Seeds continued
As soon as shoots appear, make sure
they have plenty of light. Keep them
watered, and watch as the shoots grow
and develop.
Once the shoots are big enough to
handle without breaking them, you can
pot them up. Use a trowel or plastic
spoon to scoop the seedling up with
some of its surrounding soil. Make sure
you don’t damage the delicate roots –
these are longer than the seedling!
Plant the seedling in fresh soil or compost,
burying it up to the point at which it is
green.
Keep the growing plant in a light, warm
place and continue to watch and water it.
If it grows too big for its container, you can
pot it up again.
The seedling on the left appears to have
two leaves. These are actually parts of the
seed (cotyledons). The seedling on the
right is developing its first real leaves.
Remember to keep looking after your plant as it grows. If
you are careful (and lucky), it might last for some time.
Can you keep your plant growing till next term?
You may not be able to harvest enough to bake bread from
your crop, but take care of these wheat plants, and they
could develop enough seeds of their own for you to plant
next time.
CLEAPSS® Growing Food Hints & Tips Draft January 2014
Page 2