How to Germinate Watermelon Seeds
Today, the editor introduces the content of how to germinate watermelon seeds and the methods and skills of watermelon cultivation and green plant flower planting. Let's take a look together!
Seed germination is a process to ensure that watermelon seeds sprout quickly and uniformly by artificially controlling suitable temperature conditions to promote rapid germination of seeds. Within the ambient temperature range of 15℃ to 30℃, the seed germination rate increases as the temperature rises.
I. Common Seed Germination Methods for Watermelon Seeds
1. Constant Temperature Incubator Method
Production units with conditions use a constant temperature incubator with automatic temperature and humidity control devices for seed germination. During germination, adjust the temperature control device to an appropriate position to maintain a constant temperature of 28℃ to 30℃ inside the box. Place a wet gauze or towel flat on the tray, spread the seeds evenly on the fabric, cover them with 1 to 3 layers of wet fabric, place the tray in the incubator shelf, and perform constant temperature germination. The seeds should be taken out 1 to 2 times a day, rinsed with clean warm water, drained, and then placed back. Germination will start after 24 hours, and it will be basically complete in 2 to 3 days.
2. Electric Light Germination
Use a bucket or small缸, fill it with water 10cm deep, and at a height of 8 to 10cm from the water surface, use No. 8 iron wire to make a bracket or use two pieces of wood or bamboo strips equal to the inner diameter of the container to form a cross-shaped bracket. Secure a 40-60 watt light bulb on the bracket, preferably using a waterproof socket and ensuring the insulation of all parts of the circuit. When operating, be careful not to let the light, wire, and water come into contact. Make another bracket 10cm from the mouth of the bucket or缸, place a flat tray on the bracket, spread wet fabric, place the seeds, and cover them with wet fabric. Wrap the mouth of the bucket or缸 tightly with plastic film and seal it. Insert a thermometer into the center of the bucket mouth, turn on the power, and when the temperature inside the bucket reaches 28℃ to 32℃, turn off the power. If conditions allow, an automatic temperature controller can be installed in the circuit to maintain a constant temperature inside the bucket. Rinse the seeds 1 to 2 times a day, and the germination will be complete in 2 to 3 days.
3. Thermos Flask Germination
Wrap the seeds after the soaking treatment with wet fabric and then wrap them with a layer of plastic film, making it easy to fit into the flask mouth. Take a good-insulating thermos flask, add 32℃ warm water to half of its volume, tie the seed pack with a string and place it in the thermos flask, 3 to 5cm from the water surface, tie the other end of the string to the thermos flask handle, and tightly close the flask cap for germination. It is not recommended to place more than 100 grams of seeds in a regular thermos flask to avoid affecting the germination effect. Change the warm water in the flask every 6 to 12 hours, rinse the seeds with warm water once a day, and germination will start after 24 to 36 hours. After the germination is complete, remove the seeds for sowing. Additionally, heat sources such as炕, body temperature, electric blankets, stove fire, and fermented manure can also be used for germination.
II. Precautions for Germination
1. Maintain a constant temperature as much as possible, avoiding fluctuations, and the highest temperature should not exceed 33℃.
2. The length of the germinated seeds should be just white, not more than 3mm, as longer sprouts are easily damaged. If necessary, pick out the germinated seeds, wrap them in wet fabric, and store them at 15℃ until all seeds have germinated, then plant them together.
3. Ensure that all seeds are evenly heated during germination to avoid localized high temperatures that can cause fermentation and seed rot.
The detailed explanation of how to germinate watermelon seeds and the methods and skills of watermelon cultivation introduced above hope this article can bring you help in green plant management!